In what should be a celebratory and joyous time of the year as so many people observe holidays of their various faiths, It seems as if the entire world is becoming more and more comfortable letting their antisemitism all hang out. In the U.S., Jewish college students are afraid to walk from their dorm rooms to class, as Jews around the world are the targets of incidents of antisemitism. But in the face of those attacks, Jews and supporters of Israel are standing up against the worldwide wave of antisemitism with rallies that are being well attended. However, in some cases, getting to the rally itself is an exercise in fighting hatred.

Shocking news about disruption of Ottawa pro-Israel rally pic.twitter.com/gNZCl75mxS

— David Frum (@davidfrum) December 4, 2023

In Ottawa, Canada, a large national pro-Israel rally was scheduled for Monday morning. The rally, being held on Parliament Hill, is intended to show Canadian support for Israel and condemn a wave of antisemitism that has been seen across Canada. But not everyone appears to be in support of Israel. Members of the Greater Toronto Chapter of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) were left in the lurch as around 17 buses that were hired to transport the group to the rally failed to show up, leaving the group rushing to make other travel arrangements. 

The UJA members say the buses were paid for, and the trip was confirmed by the bus company before Monday. There has been no explanation for the no-show of the buses from the company. Adam Minsky is the president and CEO of the UJA Federation and said:

"We were shocked. Given the absolute silence of the subcontractor and with no other explanation, we are driven to the view that this shameful decision is intended to disrupt our peaceful rally out of hatred toward Jews."

If this story sounds vaguely familiar, that's because it is. Last month, a group of several hundred Jews from the Detroit area were stranded at Washington D.C.'s Dulles airport when bus drivers who were supposed to take them from the airport to a pro-Israel rally in the nation's capital that roughly 300,000 Jews attended failed to show. The group was told there had been an impromptu walkout by bus drivers. The group was stranded at the airport for nearly nine hours. Marla Schloss was part of the group and stated that she "couldn't help but wonder if the drivers were doing it on purpose." In that case, The Jewish Federation of Detroit is working with the bus company to find out exactly what happened and if there was any ill intent on the part of the drivers.

Jewish groups say antisemitism was the reason why a Toronto bus company didn’t show up to pick up passengers for a pro-Israel rally in Ottawa https://t.co/bYecaRZgiZ

— Canadian Jewish News (@TheCJN) December 4, 2023

In the case of the Canadian Jews, Adam Minsky also stated that they would be looking to get to the bottom of what happened with the buses. Minsky said, "What happened today is sickening and outrageous. We will respond aggressively with every legal and public affairs tool at our disposal." He added that the group is promising "strong, decisive actions against this company."

While freedom of speech for all should be an absolute, and all points of view should be heard, many pro-Palestinian, pro-Hamas protests are going beyond simple speech. Last month in Washington D.C., graffiti that stated phrases like "Death to Israel" and "Glory to our Martyrs" was spray painted on buildings, and a White House gate was vandalized with red paint. More recently, over the weekend, an Israeli restaurant in Philadelphia was surrounded by pro-Palestinian protesters who accused the restaurant of participating in genocide. Police did not appear to be anywhere in sight, and no arrests were made. This was certainly not a "protest." It was the deliberate targeting and surrounding of a business frequented by Jews. As Hanukkah celebrations begin this week, many public events like menorah lighting ceremonies have been canceled all over the nation. 

What actually happened in both cases of bus companies failing to take Jewish customers to their intended destinations may never be known. The groups will likely be refunded their money, possibly a public apology issued by the companies, and nothing else will be done. If that happens, other businesses will get away with this soft form of antisemitism. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and goodwill to men indeed. 

“Today, we stand united in historic times, affirming Israel’s identity as the homeland for all Jews. Facing threats both military and ideological, our unity is our strength. We oppose antisemitism in all its forms and support peaceful coexistence. @MoedIddo #IsraelStrong… pic.twitter.com/1lPYmPJ26r

— Israel in Canada (@IsraelinCanada) December 4, 2023