Federal MP adds voice to concern about Occupy Danforth protest
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A Liberal MP has added his voice to those concerned about a pro-Palestinian protest planned for subway stations and major intersections along the Bloor-Danforth line.
The anti-Israel protesters had planned city-wide rallies at subway stations and main intersections from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
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“The planned “Occupy Danforth” demonstrations (Tuesday) threaten to shutdown access to transportation infrastructure while widening divisions between our communities,” said Liberal MP Vince Gasparro, who represents the riding of Eglinton-Lawrence, in a tweet posted on his X account.
“I am ready to facilitate any federal support the city may need to protect our infrastructure while combatting crime and antisemitism.”
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Gasparro also shared an Aug. 12 letter of concern he sent to Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and to “offer assistance of my office in combatting rise of hate crimes, particularly targeting the Jewish community.
“Many Jewish constituents in my riding of Eglinton-Lawrence have expressed their growing fear and anxiety,” Gasparro wrote in the letter to Chow.
“No Canadian community should ever be held responsible for a foreign conflict or the decisions of a foreign government. International conflicts must not create divisions that play out in our streets. The current situation is untenable. More must be done.”
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On Monday, Toronto Councillor James Pasternak cautioned the pro-Palestinian group’s planned “Danforth takeover” Tuesday night was a “threat to critical city infrastructure.”
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Pasternak called on Toronto Police and the TTC to “ensure safe public access to all subway stations and City of Toronto infrastructure.”
The protest, aimed at Canada’s involvement with Israel amid its war with Hamas, is planned at the peak of rush hour. Pasternak said he was worried the protest could “significantly impact” the commute of hundreds of thousands of people.”
Toronto Police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer said in a statement to the Toronto Sun on Monday that officers will be in attendance to “monitor the situation and respond to any issues that may arise.”
TTC spokesperson Stuart Green told the Sun on Monday that transit officials are “ready to respond accordingly” to ensure the safety of passengers and that service continues without disruption.
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