While children were waiting to meet Santa Clause at a Toronto, Canada mall, pro-Palestine activists began chanting, “Jesus was a Palestinian.”
@TRobinsonNewEra in trinity square Toronto this evening. Children seeing Santa being screamed at through a megaphone. How pleasant of them! pic.twitter.com/YUSSAP8Ypx
— Fulham96 (@LunasyCreations) December 16, 2023
Canadian Parliament member Kevin Vuong shared the event on X, writing, “How does harassing families saying hi to Santa advance the cause for a just & durable peace in the Middle East?”
“Your right to freedom of expression does not mean you can disrupt others. Have some respect for Canadians.”
Two of Toronto’s malls were targeted yesterday.
— Kevin Vuong (@KevinVuongMP) December 16, 2023
How does harassing families saying hi to Santa advance the cause for a just & durable peace in the Middle East?
Your right to freedom of expression does not mean you can disrupt others. Have some respect for Canadians. https://t.co/K66TDCFhuB
Pro-Palestine demonstrations have disrupted several Christmas activities.
Activists swarmed the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting, chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) canceled the Sacramento Christmas tree lighting ceremony after pro-Palestine protestors said they would hold a protest.
The Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights scheduled a December 5 Tree Lighting Protest, sharing fliers reading, “End the Genocide! End the Occupation! Ceasefire Now! Free Palestine!”
“As we continue to see protests across the country impacting the safety of events of all scales – and for the safety and security of all participating members and guests including children and families – the ceremony this year will be virtual,” a Newsom spokesperson said, according to KCRA. “The program is unchanged and viewers can tune in Wednesday evening to watch this year’s festivities.”
