The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg is calling on the provincial government to implement new legislation to set up safety zones for protests.
This comes after pro-Palestinian supporters protested outside the Asper Jewish Community Campus Tuesday evening, denouncing a speaking event with active Israel Defence Force soldiers. Pro-Israel demonstrators were also there in a counter protest.
“We’re looking to be able to protect ourselves, whether it’s at synagogues or at our Jewish community centre or other buildings where Jewish people, and certainly a lot of other people, would be at. It protects both Jewish and non-Jewish people,” said Jeff Lieberman, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.
While this was sparked by a demonstration outside a Jewish centre, Lieberman said this kind of legislation would protect people of all faiths and religions.
“The legislation would provide a bubble of space so that groups can only come within a certain area of that building.”
He said these buildings should be considered a safe zone for all people who attend, and they shouldn’t be concerned about what could happen while there.
“Our Jewish community centre, just as well as synagogues, should be considered safe places for people to be, and just as like mosques should be, and churches should be. People shouldn’t have to face intimidation when they’re entering or leaving those buildings.”
Lieberman said there have been conversations with government on this issue, but noted it has been a slow-moving process.
In a statement to CTV News Winnipeg, Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said the province is working to make Manitoba a safer place.
“Manitobans deserve to feel safe, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. Our government is committed to protecting families and the democratic freedoms we value. It’s why earlier this year, we designated a lead crown attorney to better coordinate the prosecution of hate crimes in Manitoba and we will provide additional specialized training to crown attorneys regarding hate crimes.”
