What it’s about
Hundreds rallied in a Toronto neighborhood to escort and show their support for a family whose children have been targets of anti-Semitic harassment and threats. The prompt response was sparked by continuous bullying incidents including physical aggression and threats to mimic violent acts seen in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the concerning rise of anti-Semitic behavior and the need for community solidarity. It underscores the importance of countering hate and providing safety for Jewish families and fostering environments of respect and understanding.
The Details
Israeli mother of four, Adi Cohen, living in Toronto reported the recurring harassment her children faced. Notably, her 13-year-old son was pushed and physically threatened by classmates saying “they want to ‘do to him what Hamas did to Israel.” Despite police involvement and school investigation, the assaulters faced no consequences, leaving Cohen to seek community support.
The Community Response
In response to an incident where Cohen’s younger son had stones thrown at him, the community organized a support walk via WhatsApp. On Friday, hundreds of people, including local parents and political figures, gathered to ensure the children felt supported and safe. The gathering was peaceful, emphasizing children’s safety over broader demonstrations.
Key Statements
Kevin Vuong, a Member of the House of Commons, spoke on the significance of this support, comparing recent attacks on Israel to past major terrorist attacks. Kerzner and Pasternak echoed sentiments on the necessity of eradicating anti-Semitism from schools to ensure student safety.
The Aftermath
Adi Cohen publicly expressed gratitude, noting that the support gave her son strength to continue standing against bullying. Although her family plans to return to Israel, Cohen called for actionable steps from the school to address bullying incidents adequately.
The Toronto District School Board has yet to issue an official comment but highlighted ongoing anti-bullying and anti-Semitism training across their schools. School trustee Alexandra Lulka Rotman also committed ongoing monitoring and support to combat pervasive antisemitism.
This story was first published on jpost.com.