Want to have your say? Copy and paste the below message and email [email protected] to ask the Ontario government to take urgent action to restrict demonstrations on highway overpasses.
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The Jewish community and many residents in the GTA are concerned.
Since the Hamas attacks of October 7, antisemitism in our communities has intensified significantly. In addition to hate crimes increasing in number and severity, we are alarmed by the growing aggression of anti-Israel protestors.
This past weekend, citing safety concerns, police once again closed the overpass at Highway 401 and Avenue Road where anti-Israel demonstrators congregated.
This has happened repeatedly over recent weeks, causing immense disruption to a neighbourhood that is home to many Jewish families.
Freedom of expression is important. But it can never be an excuse to consistently disrupt critical infrastructure in the heart of a residential neighbourhood. A small group of “activists” cannot be permitted to impede residents’ ability to enjoy and move about in our city.
I ask that you speak out against the growing hate and intimidation Ontario’s Jewish community is facing. But, no less important, I ask that you take steps to stop this untenable situation. You are in a position to make a difference.
What’s happening at the 401 / Avenue Road overpass cannot be allowed to continue. If police are regularly closing a roadway because it is not safe as a place of protest, it should not be an option for protestors at all. Please take urgent action, in your role as Attorney General, to restrict demonstrations on highway overpasses.
Thank you in advance – I look forward to your response.
