Toronto: Anti-war protestors enter consulate
Israeli, Jewish women gain entry into consulate in Toronto, chant anti-Israel slogans
Due to concerns for the safety of consulate staff, security officers at the site ordered diplomatic officials to enter their rooms and refrain from contact with the women.
Around 6 pm Israel time, a group of eight women, including some Israelis, entered the consulate's office in protest of the war. Security officers at the mission avoided any kind of physical confrontation with the demonstrators. Meanwhile, anti-war protestors carrying signs slamming Israel's Gaza operation have been demonstrating outside the building.
According to an initial inquiry, the women were able to gain entry into the secured facility after presenting ID cards indicating they are Israeli or Jewish. Upon entering the consulate, the women sat down on the floor and started chanting anti-Israeli slogans.
According to consulate staff, the chants included "Apartheid Israel" and racist slogans slamming the Israeli government's policy.
Sources in the consulate said security officers were not forcefully evacuating the female protestors for the time being as not to escalate tensions at the rally held outside the building.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Yossi Levy confirmed that "a group of women entered the building in line with normal entry procedures. We are dealing with a local incident that is being conducted pleasantly and without violence."
Daniel Edleson contributed to the story
