The Lawfare Project sues anti-Semitic Canadian restaurateur

Today, The Lawfare Project – in partnership with Toronto law firm RE-LAW LLP – filed a lawsuit against the owner of Toronto eatery Foodbenders with the Ontario Superior Court. The Statement of Claim was filed on behalf of a local Jewish resident, Shai DeLuca, who alleges the owner of Foodbenders, Kimberly Hawkins, violated anti-defamation laws along with Ontario's Human Rights Code by using her store and social media platforms to spread anti-Semitic rhetoric. Hawkins even went so far as to put up a sign saying "Zionists" were not welcome in Foodbenders.

DeLuca was personally the subject of defamatory messages online, including some calling him a terrorist and falsely accusing him of pointing a rifle at Palestinian children.

Brooke Goldstein, Executive Director of The Lawfare Project, said the following:

"The actions of the defendants in this case are textbook examples of anti-Semitism. To target and attempt to defame a Jewish person, simply for being who he is, is disgusting, unacceptable, and in violation of civil and human rights laws. The Lawfare Project is determined to ensure that those who would seek to spread hatred in this way will face the harsh consequences of their actions."

The plaintiff, Shai DeLuca, gave his reasoning for launching the claim:

"I am launching this lawsuit to make a clear and concise statement – we will not tolerate anti-Semitic, racist, or prejudicial attacks against myself and our community. I remain hopeful that this will serve as a learning experience to those who may seek to engage in prejudice under the guise of political discourse."

David Elmaleh, an attorney with RE-LAW LLP, added:

"Shai DeLuca is a proud Jew and Zionist. He cannot and will not sit idly by while his reputation is being smeared by false, defamatory, and very public statements. He is defending his reputation and standing up for the Jewish and pro-Israel community. With this action, he is stating clearly that there is simply no place for hateful or exclusionary policies against Jews in Canada."

The Lawfare Project has a long history of working to aid the Canadian Jewish community, from defending Jewish and pro-Israel students at York University, to helping an Israeli winemaker fend off boycott attempts, to urging the Canadian government to bar a notorious anti-Semite from entering the country.