A chilling encounter unfolded on a Vancouver night for two local women who had just departed a vigil in honour of Israel’s fallen. The duo were unaware they were being stalked by two men, later identified as demonstrators wielding Palestinian flags. The women’s first realization of the peril lying in wait came when they were cornered and threatened.
One of them recollects with trepidation the spite-filled expression etched on the face of their aggressor. However, they were brave enough to speak up about the grave incident, albeit under anonymity, due to lingering fears for their personal security.
Upon their confrontation, a woman attempted to ward off the looming threat, commanding the men to depart. Unmoved, they retaliated with a torrent of Arabic slurs. A chilling recount of the threats outlines the promise of violence, physical harm, and sexual assault, heartfelt words that will echo in the women’s memories for a considerable length of time.
Earlier that night, a vigil had attracted throngs of sympathizers, punctuated by a few pro-Palestinian protestors. The graphic description by one of the attendees, Jordan Grubner, details how these flags were weaponized in a show of scornful pantomime, mimicking firearm discharge aimed at the crowd.
Despite a significant police presence throughout the day in the downtown area, the women were followed to their vehicles unnoticed. The situation, however, was swiftly contained as patrolling officers intervened, arresting two suspects. Online images of the scene following the arrest showcase the perpetrators in restraints, surrounded by an array of unidentified weapons.
Talking about the bitter incident, Grubner emphasized the necessity to bring to light such disconcerting occurrences for they are not isolated to Vancouver; a surge in antisemitic attacks have risen globally.
Coming forward with their story, these women aim to serve as a reminder that such incidents have no place within Canadian society, and to issue a warning for others. One of the victims voiced her fear for the safety of her family since the incident, and admitted to struggling with sleep.
