Anti-Israel Propaganda Stunt Fails To Fool Mayor Crombie 

She explained, “Yesterday, while attending an event hosted by the Canadian Palestinian Professional Foundation at Our Lady Queen Croatia Park to raise funds for the Credit Valley Hospital and youth scholarships, I was approached by two individuals asking my opinion on current events taking place in Israel and Gaza.”

Crombie’s statement continued: “I replied that I oppose violence and call upon all sides to cease hostilities. Recent events that have threatened Israel’s security only reinforce the need for both parties to de-escalate tensions and work towards a peaceful solution that prevents any further loss of civilian lives. People have the right to live freely and without fear of violence no matter who they are and where they choose to call home.”

After making clear she rejected the tactics of the CD4HR banner ambush, Crombie left no doubt she also rejected the antisemitic message it carried:

“Any comparison to the Holocaust diminishes the memory of the victims of that tragedy in human history.”

She concluded by stating: “I want to reaffirm that I am committed to a peaceful resolution between Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, which can only be accomplished through peaceful negotiations and a joint commitment to a path forward that is free from violence.”

Avi Benlolo of AGPI called it “a horrible poster… This is shameful and requires an apology to the Jewish community”, while Canadian Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre were “shocked and disturbed” to see both politicians “posing with a notorious BDS leader and Ayatollah supporter and his disgusting, #antisemitic banner”.