‘Protect Canadians’

Re: ‘Law-enforcement vacuum’ at protests — Tristin Hopper, March 7

Protests and public demonstrations are a long-standing part of Canadian culture. I participated in my share half a century ago. I cherished my right to march, to wave flags and banners. I understood that those I demonstrated against also had rights. If I interfered with those rights, the police would act, batons swinging as they charged into crowds, either on foot or horseback. I was tear-gassed, had a bayonet in my face, was pushed out of the way. Many of us were arrested, many needed medical treatment.

Today the police bring hot coffee to the demonstrators, rather than batons. There is no risk to disrupting a city, violating the rights of others, targeting an identifiable ethnic group (Jews). Many of the demonstrations are led by foreign students, while their local supporters know next-to-nothing about the subject they are so vehement about.

It’s time for police to bring back their batons and tear gas. It’s time to protect Canadians against racism and intimidation from a small, vocal, but increasingly bold crowd. Nathan Elberg, Montreal

A police helicopter circles overhead; its centre point is a Thornhill synagogue. It is the target for the second day of pro-palestinian protesters. Having been forbidden from the constant blockage of a main route into a Toronto Jewish community, they have set their sights there.

Canada values the freedom to protest, but within certain limitations. It should not impede people, harass them or threaten police. Those civil restraints are regularly broken, yet the municipal, provincial and federal governments are silent and permissive.

And what exactly is being protested? The synagogue itself? The protesters have been captured on video chanting “Death to Israel. Death to the Jews,” “Intifada,” and more, including “F Canada,” which should indicate where their loyalties are.

So the answer to what they are protesting becomes clear. They are protesting Jews themselves. Protest has long since crossed over to hate, and free speech is hate speech. The fabric of society is being destroyed.

Anthony Dayton, Thornhill, Ont.