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Swastika Hooligans Invade Toronto Jewish Cemeteries

September 5, 1933
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An aftermath to the activities of the Swastika in Toronto that started early this summer on the beaches and reached its climax with the serious riots August 16 and 17 in Willowvale Park, broke out anew in the vicinity of Jewish burial grounds on Roselawn Avenue where about fifteen to twenty Jewish burial grounds are located.

Years ago Roselawn Avenue was miles out of the city limits. With the growth of the city, the Jewish cemeteries are now in the centre, surrounded by streets strictly populated, mostly by Gentiles.

With the commencement of Elul, when larger groups of Jewish people started visiting the cemeteries, the Swastika hoodlums found fertile ground. Young boys who are closely watched by grown-ups pasted Swastikas on fences and tombstones. The elderly Jews on sight of same either cry or run from the cemetery. There is no doubt that the Swastika hooligans in Toronto are greatly encouraged by the decision of Magistrate Brown, who dismissed the charges against four arrested in the Willowvale park riots, remarking that the whole thing was intended as a joke.

The police in the district assured the Jewish representatives of ample protection during this month; but that does not satisfy the community.

The whole situation is tense. Investigations to this date reveal that a mysterious hand is conducting the Swastika organization throughout the province, where clubs and groups grow over night.

Jews in suburban towns have received letters with warnings to clear out of their homes, signed by Swastika clubs; but all efforts to ascertain their origin have failed. The Post Office Department replied that it is not within its scope to prosecute for the mailing of such letters.

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