Another Anti-Israeli incident hoax

Another? I stopped counting the Jewish Hoaxes long ago, I just can't cope with the number

Along with his normal duties as a No Frills franchisee this week, Enzo Tatangelo has had to spend hours explaining to customers that his store is not anti-Israeli.

Such an allegation may have simply started as a distasteful April Fool's joke, but the Richmond Hill store owner and many in the Jewish community are not laughing.

Rumours spread like wildfire throughout the GTA's Jewish community last weekend that the supermarket at the corner of Yonge Street and 16th Avenue, had posted a sign saying "We don't sell Israeli products for political reasons," on their front door.

The rumour surfaced last weekend and it reached the radar of the Canadian Jewish Congress, whose mission is, in part, to proactively defend the security, status and rights of the Jewish community.

Len Rudner, Ontario regional director for the Jewish Congress, visited Enzo's No Frills the same day he learned of the rumour, to see the alleged anti-Israeli sign for himself. The store was closed for the Good Friday holiday.

"I went up there immediately after I heard concerns regarding this sign. I walked around the front entrance, the side, the back of the store and all around the mall and I saw no sign," said Mr. Rudner.

"They re-opened Saturday so I went back and spoke to some staff members. They had no idea what I was talking about. Mr. Tatangelo had no idea and pleaded innocence regarding any sign being erected by himself or staff. Frankly I believe him to be credible in his innocence," Mr. Rudner told The Liberal.

While Mr. Rudner was attempting to halt the rumours, allegations still churned rapidly through the internet and farther still, via e-mail.

Mr. Rudner and Mr. Tatangelo say neither know how the tale started, but Mr. Rudner said he was able to trace the rumour trail back to whom he believes to be the original 10 e-mailers, but the scent dies there.

The No Frills franchisee said he is still upset by the notion someone would purposely attempt to hurt his business, especially as some e-mails went as far as suggesting shoppers boycott the store.

"It's disappointing, it's shocking, it's a shame," said Mr. Tatangelo.

"We have had people visit and call the store looking for answers and I feel stupid continually telling them I don't know anything about an anti-Israeli sign, but I don't," he added. More