What’s happening

Over a dozen bus drivers, contracted to transport Jewish attendees to a pro-Israel rally in Ottawa, failed to appear, leading to accusations of antisemitism against the bus company.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns of potential hate crimes and highlights the challenges faced by Jewish communities in publicly supporting Israel. It underscores the importance of addressing antisemitism and ensuring the safety and rights of Jewish individuals to assemble and express their views.

Details of the incident

United Jewish Appeal (UJA) president and CEO Adam Minsky reported that out of more than 70 buses booked, 17 were no-shows from a specific subcontractor. The company had confirmed its services and charged in full but ceased all communication, leading Minsky to suggest a deliberate disruption motivated by antisemitism.

The response

Minsky has condemned the act as sickening and outrageous, with plans for legal recourse. The incident has prompted calls for an investigation into a potential hate crime, as attendees were left stranded without any weather-related or logistical explanations for the disruption.

The broader context

This situation mirrors a previous event where Jewish individuals were abandoned in Washington D.C. due to a sick-out by bus drivers, raising recurring concerns about discrimination.

Community impact

The UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s Chief Development Officer Sara Lefton expressed the fear and frustration felt by the community, highlighting the distress caused to young students and other members. The incident has caused a chilling effect among those who now feel targeted because of their Jewish identity.

Looking forward

As legal actions are being considered, the Jewish community and its supporters continue to seek clarity and justice over the incident. The broader implications for antisemitism and the need for solidarity against hate are being discussed within and beyond the Jewish community.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.