Vigil planned for Hamas leader in Mississauga; poppy used to promote event

UPDATE: Later reports indicate this vigil is fake and may have been fabricated to create division. For more see the story here.

Original story follows.

A vigil planned for a Hamas leader in Mississauga is using Remembrance Day imagery.

The vigil for a Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, is scheduled for Nov. 26 in Celebration Square, according to a statement from Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish.

Sinwar, believed to be the mastermind of the Oct. 7 massacres, rapes, and kidnappings in Israel, died last month.

Posts on social media show a poster with an image of poppies along with the words “Lest We Forget.” The organizers suggest people bring candles and pictures.

Parrish said the city is aware of the vigil and has not issued a permit for the group. The City of Mississauga does not issue permits for vigils as Celebration Square is a public space, she said.

“Under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, groups have the right of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” Parrish said. “The City will not interfere with a peaceful vigil, as long as all laws and City by-laws are adhered to.”

City security and Peel Regional Police will take proactive steps to control crowds and ensure it is a peaceful vigil, she said.

“The City of Mississauga takes any gathering on City property seriously, and while the Charter does protect the right of peaceful assembly, there is no right to violence, damage to property, or threat to the safety of others,” the statement said.

The city does not have jurisdiction to ask the group not to use the poppy imagery but has alerted the Royal Canadian Legion, Parrish said.

The City has become of aware of a vigil planned for Celebration Square on November 26, 2024. Please see the statement below which clarifies the City’s position. pic.twitter.com/5nzCcChj5v

— Mayor Carolyn Parrish (@carolynhparrish) November 9, 2024

Lead photo: ^ Missi ^