Deddy Setton

3 years ago, sitting in my living room in Ajax on a Saturday morning (cat on lap, Premier League match on), I flipped channels once I realized what was happening. It felt surreal. It always will. But it all happened as we ALL remember it. Hamas terrorists crossed the border and deliberately hunted civilians, murdering families, slaughtering hundreds dancing at the Nova festival, and dragging hostages back into Gaza while crowds cheered. They didn't hide their brutality, their atrocities, or methods. They recorded as much of it as they could, and published as much of it as they could. A mountain of evidence showing mass murder, sexual violence, and torture. Yet, before Israel even buried its dead, people thousands of miles away began rationalizing the massacre as "resistance". Incredibly, public sector union leaders, academics, & some politicians didn't even wait a weekend before explaining why this might even be defended, or in extreme cases, deserved. Since then, antisemitism has surged back into North American society with terrifying speed. Leaders have been few & far between in Toronto, & many other cities & communities. A segment of our population (maybe very small, but certainly very vocal) has decided to hold Jewish people to account for a foreign government. We would never do it, in the 21st Century, to any other race or religion. It'd be utterly wrong, unfair, & incendiary. I urge all to do what we can to turn the tide. Speak up. Call out bullshit. I want my kids living in a society where citizens don't have to look over their shoulder, hide their religious symbols, and be subject to aggressive & illegal protests outside their common spaces. The post-October 7 era in Canada has exposed a dangerous tolerance for targeted intimidation, leaving a deep scar on the country’s commitment to genuine inclusivity and safety for all. That commitment shouldn't come with purity tests or conditions. I remember the October 7 victims today. I also will continue to speak up against intimidation, threats, & actual violence. The line between political criticism or judgement of a war....and direct harassment of our Jewish brothers & sisters has become blurry. We must push back & say what's obvious.