What Happened
Hundreds of supporters of Israel in Toronto were left without transportation when buses scheduled to take them to a rally in Ottawa failed to appear. The missing buses were part of a contract to transport participants from Toronto to a gathering aimed at demonstrating solidarity with Israel and opposing antisemitism.
Why It Matters
The incident is significant as it not only hindered the supporters from attending the rally but has also raised concerns regarding potential antisemitism. The absence of the buses was linked to a deliberate walk-off by drivers, echoing a similar event that occurred in Washington, DC, last month. Such disruptions highlight the challenges faced by Jewish communities in publicly supporting Israel and combating antisemitism.
The Response
Despite the setback, alternative arrangements were promptly made to ensure that the attendees could participate in the rally. Adam Minsky, President and CEO of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, condemned the act, suggesting that the motive behind the no-show was antisemitic. The community leaders have expressed their resolve to continue with their advocacy, undeterred by such incidents.
Background
The rally at Parliament Hill was organized by various Jewish community organizations across Canada. It serves as a platform to reaffirm the Jewish community’s resilience against rising antisemitism and to remind Canadian officials of the shared values between Canadians and Israelis.
Not an Isolated Incident
This event mirrors a recent occurrence in the United States, where Jewish participants from Detroit faced a similar challenge. Bus drivers boycotted transportation for a pro-Israel march, delaying nearly 900 attendees. The incident was also condemned as an act of antisemitism. Despite these interruptions, the rally in Washington, DC, was one of the largest Jewish gatherings in US history, with about 290,000 participants.
Implications
The disruption in Toronto underscores a growing concern within Jewish communities regarding antisemitic attitudes, potentially affecting their ability to mobilize and express support for Israel. It also brings attention to the need for ensuring reliable and unbiased transportation services for all advocacy groups.
This story was first published on jpost.com.