The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg said in a social media post on Friday it did not encourage people to attend the rally on Saturday, the Sabbath. This event was not planned by or done in consultation with Winnipeg s organized Jewish community, and we would never encourage members of our community to gather on the Sabbath or in contravention of current public health orders, the post said.
On Saturday, the president of the Jewish Federation told CBC News the loss of life in the Middle East is abhorrent. We would like it to stop, said Joel Lazer. We are heartbroken to see all the death, all of the destruction . the death and destruction is disgusting and horrific and needless, in my mind.
Recent escalating violence in Jerusalem has those in both Winnipeg's Palestinian and Jewish communities on edge as they watch the conflict unfold from afar.
Posted: May 03, 2021 5:00 AM CT | Last Updated: May 3
Highlighted incidents in Winnipeg include a group attacking a student, telling them that Jews should go back to the ovens, and a swastika being spray-painted on a private residence.(Thomas Haentzschel/Associated Press)
While the Prairies rated lower than other areas of the country in documented instances of antisemitism, community members are concerned about a number of Winnipeg incidents highlighted in a national report.
B nai Brith Canada released its
2020 annual audit of antisemitic incidents last week. The report gathers data on incidents of harassment, vandalism and violence against Jewish people in Canada.