A diverse group of Jewish Canadian women are currently occupying the Israeliconsulate at 180Bloor Street West inToronto.This action is in protest against the on-going Israeli assault on the people ofGaza.

The group is carrying out this occupation in solidarity with the 1.5 millionpeople of Gaza and to ensure that Jewish voicesagainst the massacre in Gazaare being heard. They are demanding that Israelend its military assault and lift the 18-month siege on the GazaStrip to allow humanitarian aid into the territory.

Israelhas been carrying out a full-scale military assault on the Gaza Strip sinceDecember 27, 2008. At least 660 people have been killed and 3000 injured in theair strikes and in the ground invasion that began on January 3, 2009. Israel has ignoredinternational calls for a ceasefire and is refusing to allow food, adequatemedical supplies and other necessities of life into the Gaza Strip.

Protesters are outraged at Israel'slatest assault on the Palestinian people and by the Canadian government'srefusal to condemn these massacres. They are deeply concerned that Canadiansare hearing the views of pro-Israel groups who are being represented as theonly voice of Jewish Canadians. The protesters have occupied the consulate to senda clear statement that many Jewish-Canadians do not support Israel'sviolence and apartheid policies. They are joining with people of conscience allacross the world who are demanding an end to Israeli aggression and justice forthe Palestinian people.