Al-Quds Day rally in Toronto goes ahead after judge tosses injunction bid; Premier ‘extremely disappointed’

A pro-Palestinian rally went ahead in Toronto with waving flags, drums, chants and a large police presence, including officers observing from the top of buildings, Saturday after an Ontario judge tossed out the government’s move to pre-emptively block it.

Some of the approximately 4,500 people that Toronto police said attended the Al-Quds Day rally waved Palestinian and Iranian flags and chanted “Free Palestine” while some counter-protesters carried the flags of Israel and the pre-revolution Iran.

Toronto police said at least two people who participated in a counter protest had been taken into custody after assaulting Al-Quds Day demonstrators.

The suspects have been identified as 56-year-old Farshid McVandifar and 39-year-old Mostafa Shabanian Bashmandoost, both of Toronto. McVandifar was arrested and charged with assault and mischief under $5,000. Meanwhile, Bashmandoost was charged with five offences, including assault, criminal harassment, theft and public incitement of hatred.

Police are treating both incidents as suspected hate-motivated offences.

11th-hour ruling

Less than an hour before the rally began outside the U.S. Consulate in downtown Toronto, a court dismissed the 11th-hour request by the Ford government for an injunction against it, calling the rally a “breeding ground for hate and antisemitism.”

His allegations were swiftly condemned by civil liberty groups, with organizers calling the injunction request an attempt to silence Palestinian solidarity and criticism of Israel.

Following the court decision, Ford said he was “extremely disappointed” and that Al-Quds Day “has long been a venue for antisemitism, hatred, intimidation and the glorification of terrorism.”

“While the judge cited Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, when we talk about rights we need to be clear that every person has the right to safety and security,” he explained in a statement. “We need to be clear that no one in Canada has the right to incite violence or free licence to intimidate and hate.”

Al-Quds Day is an annual event held on the last Friday of Ramadan, established in 1979 by Iran’s Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The day is intended to express solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israel’s control of Jerusalem.

In Toronto, the event has been held for more than a decade and often draws a mix of community groups, activists, and counter‑protesters. Organizers promoted this year’s event with a call for “no war on Iran and Lebanon”. 

One of Ford’s first promises as premier in 2018 was an outright ban on the protest.

During Saturday’s court hearing, lawyers for the province acknowledged there was no evidence the rallies had ever resulted in criminal charges against demonstrators.

“The judge also said that Toronto Police Service do not need an injunction to preserve the peace,” Ford said. “That’s unbelievable! If that’s the case, I fully expect that the police will immediately intervene at the first sign of hate, violence or glorification of terrorist organizations.”

Police have said they planned to expand their presence at the rally citing heightened unease around the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and the shots fired at three synagogues and the U.S. Consulate in the past two weeks.

Scholars react to Ford’s failed injunction bid

Anna Zalik, a Jewish Canadian professor, called Ford’s request for an injunction “political theatre” while at Saturday’s rally.

“People still have freedom of expression in this country and I hope we continue to fight for it,” she said.

She disagreed with Ford’s characterization of the rally as antisemitic and hateful.

“This is a very important day for the Palestinian people. … I knew I wanted to be here….This is a movement for peace. This is a movement for justice,” she said.

“I’m also horrified by the war that the United States and Israel are carrying out against Iran, and the way it’s spiralling out of control with no real exit.”

A man who identified himself as Jamal, and did not want to give his last name for fear of possible employment repercussions, said it was important for him to show up at the rally to simply support the Palestinian people.

“The Palestinian cause is something I grew up with,” he said.

“When they were forced from their home is something that I was taught. Because of that I have sympathy for their people and their struggle.”

He called Ford’s attempt to block the protest “crazy.”

“I don’t see anything here that’s a threat to national security.”

Shayan, who wasn’t comfortable giving his last name, said he came out to express his opposition to the Al Quds Day rally and his support for the war on Iran.

“I’m here to support the beautiful people of Iran and we’re standing here with our Israeli friends,” he said.

“People in Iran don’t have food to eat…They’re getting killed in the streets. They want regime change. Israel and America are helping the Iranian people killing the (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) affiliates and top officials….These people cannot understand,” he added, while pointing toward the pro-Palestinian protesters.

Two city councillors agreed with Ford

On Friday, two Toronto city councillors joined with Ford and called for the City’s lawyers to step in and stop the event.

Councillors Brad Bradford and James Pasternak said the annual march is “known for inciting violence and anti-Semitism.”

“Protesters must be prevented from blocking ambulance routes and targeting businesses owned by members of the Jewish community and other minority groups,” said Bradford in a release. “Torontonians deserve to go about their daily lives in peace and security without hate and demonization.”

Michelle Stock, Vice President for Ontario’s Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said the province’s decision to seek an injunction “reflects the seriousness of the threat facing our communities.”

Meanwhile, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association called the province’s attempt to shut down the protest before it even began “an extraordinary and dangerous step,” noting police already have broad powers under the Criminal Code to respond.

With files from the Canadian Press, as well as CityNews’ Meredith Bond, Lucas Casaletto and Denio Lourenco.