We write to you with a deep sense of urgency and concern regarding a City of Barrie policy, announced by Mayor Nuttal and supported by Counsellor Bryn Hamilton, that mandates the removal of politically expressive posters, particularly those depicting innocent Jewish hostages, from municipal poles and other public places within the City of Barrie.

At a time when anti-Semitic incidents are experiencing an alarming surge, demonstrating support and raising awareness through these posters has become even more vital for our community. The posters that have been targeted for removal play a crucial role in educating the public, fostering empathy, and showing solidarity with individuals who have been unjustly targeted because of their Jewish identity. These posters are more than mere paper and ink; they represent the voices and the plight of a community often silenced by hate.

The decision to remove these posters has profoundly affected our community. It is not just an erasure of our visual presence in the public sphere; it is a dismissive gesture that makes us feel increasingly unsafe and unwelcome in our own city. The policy, in practice, alienates Jews and delegitimizes our fight against the rising tide of anti-Semitism.

We urge you to reconsider this policy and to take its implications seriously. We call for an immediate reversal of the policy for the targeted removal of these critical, politically expressive posters. Our request aligns with our Charter right to freedom of expression and our collective responsibility to combat hate and promote social justice.

Barrie prides itself on being an inclusive and diverse community, one where all voices have the right to be heard and represented. Let it not be tarnished by a policy that inadvertently supports the very antithesis of those values. Our community must be a safe space where no group feels marginalized or silenced, especially when standing against oppression.

This policy not only stifles freedom of expression but also sends the wrong message at a time when unequivocal support and visibility are paramount. Removing these posters does not make our community harmonious; rather, it amplifies the fears and concerns of a community under siege by ignorance and hate.

We implore you to recognize the impact of this policy and act to foster an environment of understanding and acceptance. By reversing this policy, the City of Barrie has the opportunity to stand on the right side of history, reinforcing its commitment to its Jewish residents and the core values of diversity and inclusivity.

Let Barrie be known not just as a beacon of multiculturalism, but as an active defender of all its citizens against the scourge of anti-Semitism and all forms of oppression.

We look forward to your prompt and just response.