B’nai Brith Canada has voiced its concerns about the imminent arrival of the Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge (ISUPK) group in Toronto. .“The ISUPK is part of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement, which has been linked to murder and violence in the not-so-distant past,” B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn wrote in a Friday press release. .The press release said ISUPK leader John Lightbourne and members of his group intend to appear at various venues this weekend in Toronto..The Anti-Defamation League claims the ISUPK believe African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans are Jewish and that white people and Jews are Satanic beings. .The press release went on to say Lightbourne, who calls himself Commanding General Yahanna, promotes the separation of black and white people. It said Lightbourne has called white people “animals” and said they “have no compassion.” .According to B'nai Brith, Lightbourne has stated Jews “run everything” and has described them as “nasty filthy devils.” He said “the Jewish man is a goddamn liar.”.B’nai Brith Canada said Lightbourne has promoted hatred against LGBT people. One of Lightbourne’s associates said the group wants to interact with LGBT people and “you may see a rainbow on fire.” .Lightbourne is scheduled to speak at a rally at Dundas Square in Toronto this weekend, which has not been granted a permit by the City of Toronto. Pride Toronto events will be taking place around this time..Pride Toronto said it will be taking action to protect festival guests’ safety because of growing security threats in the last few weeks. .“We are authorizing our security to check for weapons using a security wand for all individuals as they enter the designated spaces,” said Pride Toronto Executive Director Sherwin Modeste. .Modeste said enhanced security might result in a slower check-in process. .B’nai Brith Canada said it has alerted the Canada Border Services Agency, Toronto police, and Toronto Pride organizers about ISUPK’s expected arrival. It also said it has informed the owners of a private building scheduled to host ISUPK about the group’s beliefs..“We anticipate that Toronto law enforcement agencies will heed our warnings and will act accordingly if violations of either the Criminal Code or the City of Toronto’s anti-discrimination policies occur, should they be permitted to enter Canada,” said Mostyn. .The ISUPK could not be reached for comment in time for publication.
