Mayor Ken Sim released a statement Monday saying the City of Vancouver “will always stand with the Jewish community and unequivocally condemns Hamas' acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians.”
Monday marked the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.
“Today, we mark the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7th, 2023 attack — an event that not only shocked our city, our country and the world, but also left a lasting scar on countless families and communities,” Sim said.
The mayor said the invasion in southern Israel was the deadliest attack against Jewish people since the Holocaust, “carried out by those who spread fear, division and hatred.”
Reuters reported that more than 1,200 civilians died in the Oct. 7 attack and some 250 hostages were taken. Since the attack, retaliatory strikes from Israel have killed more than 40,000 people in Gaza.
The attack and ongoing battle have triggered protests across the world, including in Vancouver, where police say it has cost $4.1 million to police 344 protests related to the Israel-Hamas war.
“Let me be clear — we will not allow hatred to take root in our city,” said Sim, noting Vancouver has seen a rise in “hateful actions and rhetoric” directed towards the Jewish community over the past year.
“There is no place for anti-Semitism, or any form of hate in our city. Vancouver is a place that prides itself on diversity, respect and inclusion. These values define who we are.”
Added Sim: “I am aware of the protests that took place in our city this weekend, as well as the protest planned for today in relation to this tragic event. While we respect the right to peaceful expression, if you are celebrating the October 7th attack, you do not represent the values of Vancouverites. Violence and hate speech will not be tolerated in our community.”
'Week of action'
Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network advertised on its website a “week of action” in Vancouver, culminating with a scheduled late afternoon protest Monday to mark the Oct. 7 anniversary.
“This event will include political education, information booths, speakers, displays and more to learn about our heroic and victorious resistance throughout Palestine…followed by a rally and action to build our resistance here!” according to the network’s website.
The organization describes itself as an international network of organizers and activists working to build solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in their struggle for freedom.
Sim’s statement comes after Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer outlined Oct. 5 his department’s plan to ensure events to mark the anniversary remain peaceful.
An increased police presence, along with parking the VPD’s mobile command centre outside the Jewish Community Centre, were some of the measures Palmer announced last week.
“I know emotions are raw and people are experiencing a wide range of feelings right now. I also know there are many diverse opinions in this city,” said Palmer in a news release.
“I don’t expect everyone to have the same point of view about the military conflict in the Middle East. However, I do expect that people will treat each other with respect and not resort to violence when expressing their points of view. Public safety is our priority. We will not accept violence and hatred in Vancouver.”
Israel's Independence Day
Sim’s statement Monday was not his first in support of the Jewish community.
In May, he issued a statement to explain why the city agreed to light up city hall and the Burrard Bridge in white and blue to celebrate Israel's 76th Independence Day.
At the time, he said the city approved requests to illuminate city hall and Burrard Bridge for Israel's Independence Day in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
“Notably, the city has not declined illumination requests from other countries amidst political unrest or conflict with which Canada maintains diplomatic relations,” Sim said.
Two weeks ago, city council amended its civic protocol policy to no longer approve requests from organizations that want to light up city hall and the Burrard Bridge in colours that recognize other countries’ national and independence days.
“This is a positive move forward, and it brings us in line with some other cities and keeps us out of international politics, which is a good thing,” said Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung during debate in the council chamber.
