Firas Al Najim, a pro-Iranian activist based in Toronto, Canada, is organizing a vigil in memory of Hamas' late leader Yahya Sinwar, identified as the architect behind the October 7 massacre.
The vigil is set for November 26 at Mississauga's City Hall in Ontario. In his announcement, Al Najim claimed that Mississauga’s Mayor Carolyn Parrish had given the green light for the event, despite opposition from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).
"Mayor [Carolyn] Parrish did not yield to the wealthy pro-Israel lobby groups, who believe they control Canada and its laws," Al Najim wrote. He went on to criticize Jewish groups, alleging they support what he called "the cruelest apartheid regime." He also referenced Holocaust remembrance events by these groups, contrasting them with his intention to "honor our martyrs."
He concluded, “Most Palestinians, if not all, consider Yahya Sinwar a hero,” encouraging the public to disregard Jewish organizations and other groups he labeled as "evil."
Canada’s federal government designates Hamas as a terrorist organization.
However, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish stated she lacks the authority to block the vigil from occurring on public property. "I don’t know if the vigil will take place. The city will not condone it," Parrish told the Toronto Sun. She also mentioned plans to consult with city lawyers once more.
