JTA: TORONTO (JTA) -- A speaking engagement by American anti-Islamic firebrand Pamela Geller was moved following police intervention.
Geller, a vocal critic of radical Islam, was due to speak May 13 at a Chabad synagogue in Thornhill, north of Toronto, but the synagogue's rabbi, Mendel Kaplan, backed out after a visit by the hate crimes unit of local police.
“Rabbi Kaplan decided to cancel Ms. Geller's appearance, as it would place him in conflict with the values of our organization, which support a safe, welcoming and inclusive community for all," read a statement issued May 2 by the York Regional Police. Kaplan also serves as a police chaplain. » | Sunday, May 05, 2013