Condemning Hate Speech and Incitement by the Israeli Consulate in Toronto
February 17th, 2024
Justice For All Canada strongly condemns the Toronto Israeli consulate’s hateful response to a tweet from the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), which merely pointed out the scale of civil society destruction in Gaza, as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
The consulate’s callous response served to legitimize the ongoing killings of Palestinians, 70% of whom are women and children, seemingly condoning their collective punishment. It also dismissed Israel’s attacks on vital civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, which are protected under international law. Such shocking language is wholly inappropriate for a diplomatic entity, which should uphold decorum and respect for human rights, rather than making irresponsible statements regarding a humanitarian crisis.
Consulates normally serve as diplomatic means to foster dialogue, understanding, and address mutual concerns. Instead, staff at the Toronto Israeli consulate chose to deny legitimate concerns raised by UNRWA, the primary organization responsible for the welfare of millions of Palestinians and refugees. According to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, diminishing UNRWA’s funds will accelerate starvation in Gaza, where there is an increasing risk of starvation and famine.
“No entity, whether a government or otherwise, should be exempt from scrutiny and accountability for its actions, especially when they involve violations of international law and human rights abuses,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. "The crimes against humanity endured by the Palestinian people cannot be justified, including the systematic targeting and punitive measures imposed on innocent civilians,” added Ghayyur.
The Israeli consulate’s callous attack on social media and blatant disregard for a people under apartheid perpetuates the cycle of violence and injustice against Palestinians. It also relies on allegations which are currently the subject of an active investigation. Justice For All Canada implores the Canadian government to formally address the Israeli consulate's unprofessional behaviour on an urgent basis, including:
Justice For All Canada strongly condemns the Toronto Israeli consulate’s hateful response to a tweet from the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), which merely pointed out the scale of civil society destruction in Gaza, as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
The consulate’s callous response served to legitimize the ongoing killings of Palestinians, 70% of whom are women and children, seemingly condoning their collective punishment. It also dismissed Israel’s attacks on vital civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, which are protected under international law. Such shocking language is wholly inappropriate for a diplomatic entity, which should uphold decorum and respect for human rights, rather than making irresponsible statements regarding a humanitarian crisis.
Consulates normally serve as diplomatic means to foster dialogue, understanding, and address mutual concerns. Instead, staff at the Toronto Israeli consulate chose to deny legitimate concerns raised by UNRWA, the primary organization responsible for the welfare of millions of Palestinians and refugees. According to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, diminishing UNRWA’s funds will accelerate starvation in Gaza, where there is an increasing risk of starvation and famine.
“No entity, whether a government or otherwise, should be exempt from scrutiny and accountability for its actions, especially when they involve violations of international law and human rights abuses,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. "The crimes against humanity endured by the Palestinian people cannot be justified, including the systematic targeting and punitive measures imposed on innocent civilians,” added Ghayyur.
The Israeli consulate’s callous attack on social media and blatant disregard for a people under apartheid perpetuates the cycle of violence and injustice against Palestinians. It also relies on allegations which are currently the subject of an active investigation. Justice For All Canada implores the Canadian government to formally address the Israeli consulate's unprofessional behaviour on an urgent basis, including:
- Demanding a public apology and retraction of the consulate’s hate speech towards a people facing a plausible genocide, according to the International Court of Justice.
- Issuing a formal diplomatic protest to the Israeli government regarding the need for diplomatic entities to adhere to standards of decorum and respect for human rights.
- Summoning the Israeli ambassador Iddo Moed for clarification and issuing a warning against inflammatory actions from the consulate.
- Resuming Canada’s commitment to supporting UNRWA and ensuring the agency's vital humanitarian work continues uninterrupted, particularly in Gaza, where millions rely on its services for basic necessities.