Subject: Letter to Mayor Hazel McCallion regarding JDL protest at Palestine House
To: mayor@mississauga.ca
Jewish Defence League of Canada
7305 Woodbine Ave #297
Markham, Ontario Canada
L3R 3V7
February 25, 2010
Her Worship Mayor Hazel McCallion
Office of the Mayor
City of Mississauga
300 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L5B 3C1
Regarding your phone call to me tuesday evening, I would like to make it clear why we have chosen to protest the offices of Palestine House in Mississauga.
On SaturdayِApril 3rd , Palestine House will commemorate the 34th anniversary of Land Day, with Mr. Abdul Bari Atwan. Talking about Iran’s nuclear capability on ANB Lebanese television on June 27, Abd Al-Bari Atwan, editor-in-chief of Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper, said, “If the Iranian missiles strike Israel, by Allah, I will go to Trafalgar Square and dance with delight.”
As a Jew and a Canadian, I find this genocidal rhetoric offensive and dangerous. You referred to it as “foolish” and to just be ignored. I will never ignore those that preach genocide. A public figure with your stature and experience should know that this type of language incites hate and violence – and in today’s climate, should not be tolerated in any community.
I must say, quite frankly, that I find your request for me to cancel the demonstration to be highly inappropriate.
Further, you told me that you are “intimately involved” with Palestine House – I’m not certain what “intimate involvement” means but I would suggest that you should use your influence to have this organization cancel their speaker and render a public apology.
Our protest will be organized and above all, peaceful.
Respectfully,
Meir Weinstein,
National Director Jewish Defence League of Canada
416-736-7000 jdl@jdl-canada.com
Hazel McCallion should retire.