TORONTO โ An anti-Israel protest planned for this Sunday in Toronto in open support of Iranโs ruling regime has drawn strong criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel leaders. The demonstration, which CUPE Ontario has officially endorsed, aligns itself with a government known for state executions, repression of women, and persecution of LGBTQ individuals, and responsibility for the 2020 downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane that killed 85 Canadians.
The protestโs promotional materials explicitly call for backing โthe Islamic Republic of Iranโ and voice solidarity with its ruling authorities. CUPE Ontarioโs support as a public-sector union has sparked outrage in Parliament and Jewish circles.
Thornhill MP Melissa Lantsman, herself Jewish and a vocal Zionist, condemned the unionโs stance in a statement. โAh yes, CUPE Ontario, always on the cutting edge of solidarity, now proudly backing a tyrannical regime that shot a passenger plane out of the sky, killing 85 Canadians. A union that once claimed to fight for fairness now cheers on the oppressors. Bold move, guys.โ
Iranโs Islamic Republic has long been accused of widespread human rights abuses. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch document thousands of executions, notably of women and girls for minor offences, and draconian punishments for homosexual acts. The government also enforces strict restrictions on free speech and assembly.
In January 2020, Iranโs Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 shortly after takeoff from Tehran. All 176 passengers and crew were killed, including 85 Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Iran initially denied responsibility before admitting it was an ‘error’ and offering compensation, but delays and lack of apology deepened public anger.
Critics argue that CUPE Ontarioโs endorsement lends legitimacy to a regime that openly calls for the destruction of Israel. Canadian Jewish advocacy groups, including CIJA, have previously challenged the union over its longstanding support of BDS and its ties to pro-Iranian activism.
CUPE Ontario has yet to respond to requests for comment on its involvement in organizing or publicly endorsing the protest.
Supporters of the protest claim it opposes Western intervention and U.S. sanctions against Iran. However, aligning with an extremist foreign government raises ethical questions that many Canadians find deeply troubling.
This article is based on verified information from union records, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch reports, official data on PS752, and statements from MP Melissa Lantsman.