Relations With Other Groups
In 2011, the Canadian JDL organized a "support rally" for the English Defence League featuring a live speech, via Skype, by EDL leader Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. The event was denounced by the Canadian Jewish Congress whose leader, Bernie Farber, said he was "disappointed that the JDL would support an organization whose record in the U.K. is one of violence and extremism." Farber added, "We join with all the leading British Jewish organizations in condemning the intolerance and violence that the EDL represents. It has never been the Canadian way to promote vigilantism." In an opinion piece published following the event, Farber and CJC general counsel Benjamin Shinewald castigated the JDL stateing that, "By joining forces, the JDL condones the indefensible actions of violent extremists." The rally, held at the Toronto Zionist Centre, attracted a counter-protest organized by Anti-Racist Action resulting in four ARA being arrested.
The Canadian JDL has also organized rallies in support of far-right Israeli politician Moshe Feiglin and Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders of the Party for Freedom. They have also announced their support for the Freedom Party of Austria.
Read more about this topic: Jewish Defense League
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