An anti-Israel sign referring to “apartheid” discovered on a sidewalk signpost in Toronto, Canada was denounced by Toronto Jewish groups late last week before being removed.
The sign, which said “anti-apartheid is not antisemitism” and contained a spray painted blue Star of David, was described by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) as an “incredibly disturbing antisemitic advertisement.”
The sign was located in Toronto”s Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue area, a prominent section of the city where it would be seen by large numbers of pedestrians and motorists.
FSWC said that upon learning of the sign, they contacted Astral Media, the company that owns the signpost, filing a complaint and demanding that the poster be immediately removed.
The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) also contacted Astral Media insisting the offensive advertisement, which it called “shocking antisemitism,” be taken down.
“We will not accept antisemitism. AGPI has contacted Astral Media (Bell Media) demanding the immediate removal of an antisemitic sign that was posted this morning on a major Toronto street,” AGPI said in a statement.
“Israel has been falsely accused of being an apartheid state by pro-Palestinian groups who seek the country’s destruction. In fact, Israel is the only democracy in the middle east, celebrating rights and freedoms for all people of all faiths and backgrounds. Arab, Jewish and Christian citizens hold high office, are represented in parliament and have equal rights under the law.”
The hateful poster was also condemned by B”nai Brith Canada director of communications Marty York in a tweet: “This is disgusting. It is untrue, irresponsible, offensive and should be taken down immediately.”
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center said in an update on Friday that Astral told them the sign was installed without their consent.
“We have since learned the antisemitic sign was illicitly placed without the consent of Astral and [parent company] Bell Media, and are pleased to inform the community the sign has since been taken down,” FSWC said. “FSWC commends [Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Michael Ford] and [Toronto Deputy Mayor] Jennifer McKelvie who helped accelerate the removal. The two leaders had reached out to us expressing condemnation of the sign & pledging it would be removed expeditiously.”
“When antisemitism rears its ugly head, we must stand together to confront it,” FSWC added.
