Anita Bromberg, Co-Chair of End Jew Hatred Toronto chapter, told the assembled mourners that antisemitic violence is a “global crisis calling for action.”
As usual, the murder of two young Jewish men went unmarked by Canada’s main media and politicians. But End Jew Hatred (EJH), a grassroots, civil rights movement, would not let it pass. The relatively new organization organized a vigil to mourn their deaths and honour their memories.
It took place September 2, fittingly, at the Holocaust Memorial Monument in Earl Bales Park in Toronto. EJH groups also organized vigils in the US (several), Israel, Holland and Germany.
Both of the two young men had their lives cut tragically short. Both were serving the Jewish people: 19 year old Shmuel Silverberg, a Yeshiva student in Denver, by deepening his Jewish learning; the other, 21 year old Barel Hadari, by protecting his people and land as an IDF soldier.
Shmuel tried to keep the killers out of the building by fumbling with the combination lock and so saved the lives of many other students. Barel stood his ground and did not relent as rioters stormed the defence walls. He was shot in the head and later died of his wounds. Both died in the end because of hate.
“Around the world, Jewish people are mourning the murders of these two young men. In other places, there are those that are celebrating”, said Anita Bromberg, Co-Chair EJH Toronto.
“The fight against rising Jew hatred is not a local or domestic issue alone but a global crisis calling for action.”
While the despicable murders of two Jewish are being mourned, it appears the Jew-haters are mobilizing.
In New York City the terror supporters are using the slogan “Globalize the Intifada” and will be holding a rally at Grand Central Station.
In Canada “Vote Palestine” is a website that is pressuring electoral candidates to sign a pledge against Israel, against the Jewish people. Their supposed quest for Palestinian statehood – is actually a campaign to slander and destroy Israel.
Andria Spindel, Co-Chair EJH Toronto noted, “The last intifada was a horrendous campaign of terrorist violence that killed over 1,000 Jews in Israel. Calling for a global intifada is like declaring war on Jews. These people want to bring that violent Jew hatred to the West.”
She concluded, “We need you to show them that Jews will not be intimidated!”
Born in Hamilton, Doris has many years of experience as a multimedia journalist. She has worked in radio, television and print journalism and written on a variety of topics especially the crucial issues in Canadian and Jewish life today. She is also Co Chair of the Canadian Institute of Jewish Research in Toronto.