Why Amsterdam’s chilling pogrom could happen in Canada
There’s still hope for leaders who have failed so far, but time is running out
Thursday night, videos showing Israeli soccer fans being ambushed over a period of several hours around Amsterdam appeared on social media, many of them proudly shared by the assailants themselves, echoing how videos of the October 7 attacks were similarly shared. Some attackers rode scooters while assaulting their victims. Mobs chanted anti-Israel slogans, proudly sharing videos of the assaults where they chased, kicked and beat Israeli citizens, after which, some celebrated. Sixty-two people were arrested. All but 10 were quickly released. All of this, on the eve of Kristallnacht. Like the Netherlands, Canadian society at all levels has failed to take a strong stance against antisemitism and to prevent what’s happening in Europe from happening here. That needs to change now.
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These videos came to the attention of myself and others in real-time while in attendance at the “Spirit of Hope” gala in Toronto — an event honouring allies who help in the fight against antisemitism. In attendance were both Liberal and Conservative MPs, including Marco Mendicino and Michelle Rempel — proving that opposing antisemitism doesn’t have to be only a conservative trait.
While Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre couldn’t make it, he at least sent his regards.
Meanwhile, notable M.I.A’s at the event included Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. All of these leaders, in one way or another, have failed Jewish Canadians.
Like Dutch society up until now, the Liberal government has failed to take an unequivocal stand against antisemitism or plan to prevent attacks like this one in Europe from happening here. In fact, attitudes and policy decisions by leaders in Canada make such an attack much more likely.
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