The scene at Yonge and Dundas Square on Feb. 18 was one of organization, as local students and activists joined together for a peaceful demonstration. They were there to show opposition to the Canadian government for supporting Israeli apartheid.
The rally started with information and motivation. To inform the crowd of the acts perpetrated by the Israeli government to segregate the Palestinian population and to motivate people to boycott the companies that support their agenda.
Placards and signs were being held high into the air denouncing the construction of the ‘Apartheid Wall’ and relating the struggle to that of the black inhabitants of South Africa during the era of apartheid.
It was a smooth transition as the rally turned into a march that headed north on Yonge Street. Leaflets were being distributed to pedestrians on the sidewalk as the marchers made their voices heard to those who were willing to listen.
As they proceeded to Bloor Street, the woman on the megaphone was uniting everyone with chants such as “End Israeli apartheid, Occupation is a crime!” and “Justice can’t wait, one person, one vote, one state!”
The demonstration ended at the Israeli Consulate, where the protestors were met by Toronto Police. The situation was handled well by the organizers and the crowd dispersed shortly after they were congratulated for the successful march and leafleting. For more information, check out http://www.endisraeliapartheid.net
Adam Bemma is a journalist, humanitarian, and media consultant based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Adam Bemma 
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