A Statement From Anti-Racist Action In Support Of Anti-Racists
Involved In The February 4th Clash With Nazi Boneheads

Zero Tolerance For Nazis Everywhere!

     Over the past two years, neo-nazis in Toronto have been very
active on various levels. Organizations like the Heritage Front and
the Northern Hammerskins have made concerted efforts to recruit
young people to their hateful ideologies, inspiring and committing
numerous acts of violence against people of colour, Jews, gay and
lesbian people, women, and anti-racists.
     Neo-nazi skinheads have been implicated in an arson attack on
a young women's shelter, numerous physical assaults on people of
colour, and physical assaults on anti-racists. In some of these
cases arrests have been made. This very month, Heritage Front
leader Wolfgang Droege will go to trial for aggravated assault
against a young anti-racist. Through their violent behaviour and
their propaganda (which has sent neo-nazis to the Ontario Human
Rights Commission because of its hateful content) nazis have
attempted to create a climate of terror in Toronto.
     Whenever nazis appear in social spaces, work places or
schools, they deliberately inspire fear and intimidation around
them. Their clothes, behaviour, and their language are all designed
to bully others and silence opposition to their presence or their
ideas. Even though the fascist scene is very small in Toronto, as
individuals or in organized groups, their very presence creates a
volatile environment.
     Nevertheless, open resistance to the fascist presence has
grown over the past two years, due to increased awareness of the
threat they pose to every community but their own. People are
determined to challenge them rather than allowing our communities
to fall under siege. It is the neo-nazis who should feel
threatened, isolated and besieged - not the community at large!
     Challenging the fascist presence has taken various forms, in
our social spaces, workplaces and schools. Most important has been
breaking down the apathy and indifference which only allows them to
grow. Because any challenge to their presence is bound to shred the
fake image of invincibility they have built up around them.
     In this context, Anti-Racist Action (ARA) commends the young
anti-racists who were brave enough to stand their ground against
neo-nazi boneheads at Kennedy subway station in the early morning
of February 4th. Furthermore, we offer our support to the one anti-
racist who was seriously wounded, his neck cut. His attacker,
Adrian Kaddie, has been charged with attempted murder. Another
nazi, Kristian Stefan Brandes, has been charged with aggravated
assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, and assault with a
weapon. We expect the details of these violent assaults will come
out during their trials.
     It is deplorable that police and mainstream media have
confused the basic facts of this situation.
     We appeal to the community to be aware of nazi activity and to
be vigilant about their presence in our community. Zero tolerance
for nazis and racism is not an empty slogan. Don't let them count
on our indifference! Increased vigilance and community self-defense
will be crucial as fascist assaults on all our communities
continue.

Toronto Anti-Racist Action (ARA)
February 8, 1995