Iranian Jewish demonstration in Toronto disrupted by massive anti-Israel march

On Sunday, people gathered in front of the Ontario Legislative Building at Queen's Park in Toronto to honour Persian king Cyrus the Great and what is often regarded as the first bill of human rights, as well as to show solidarity with Israel, and to condemn terrorism and antisemitism.

Attendees were mostly from the Iranian and Jewish communities, but several other allies were present as well. It was organized by former political prisoner from Iran Salman Sima. Several elected officials were also in attendance.

MPP Michael Parsa said that "2600 years ago, Cyrus the Great talked about the things that we are talking about today. Freedom, democracy, allowing people to be who they want, allowing people to worship who they want, allowing people to love who they want. You and I know it. You and I appreciate it. There are still people around the world that don't."

MPP Goldie Ghamari did not hold back as she blasted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for its role in spreading terrorism. The group is known to have trained Palestinian terror group Hamas and has worked with Lebanese terror group Hezbollah. She also called out Justin Trudeau for not listing the IRGC as a terrorist entity.

"How much louder do we have to scream? How many more innocent lives must be lost at the hands of radical, fundamentalist terrorists before the government finally wakes up and pays attention?"

Ghamari also said "The terrorist and illegitimate Islamic regime in Iran denies the Holocaust and also spreads antisemitism around the world." She emphasized how the Iranian people stand with the Jewish people and Israel.

MP Kevin Vuong was also in attendance. He too emphasized that the IRGC needs to be "on the list" and "held to account for the crimes they've committed."

Slavish Safavi, a former political prisoner, described why the Iranian and Jewish people should stand together, highlighting how they're fighting the same enemy.

The rally's conclusion was rushed due to a large anti-Israel march that was making its way toward Queen's Park. A heavy police presence was on hand to ensure everybody's safety, and the two groups were kept separated by a wide margin.

Many attendees said they refused to be intimidated and remained at Queen's Park until the march had moved on.

At one point, they joined together and shouted "No Hamas, more hummus!" towards the opposing event.

After the march left, police were thanked and received a round of applause.