Ukrainians in Toronto celebrate Crimean Tatar Flag Day

The Ukrainian community in Toronto celebrated the Crimean Tatar Flag Day, as reported by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch. The event was organized with the participation of the Canadian Association of Crimean Tatars and the Canada Crimea Cultural Committee.

The Crimean Tatar flag flattered during a march through the streets of Toronto, as well as at a festive picnic. The goal was to demonstrate solidarity with the Crimean Tatars, the indigenous people of Crimea, who continue to suffer oppression from Russian occupiers, and to remind that Crimea is Ukraine.

“We must support the Ukrainian people until they achieve a decisive victory, which includes recapturing every inch of Ukraine’s territory. Victory is the only option for Canada because Ukraine’s victory is vital to Canada’s security – If Russia wins it will not stop at Ukraine. If Russia wins Europe, the US and Canada will be next in defending ourselves against Russian aggression. … We must stand with the Ukrainian people until they win – until we all win,” wrote Yvan Baker, a member of the Canadian Parliament who participated in the event.

Rustem Irsay, President of the Canadian Association of Crimean Tatars, and his wife Elvira Irsay, a member of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, also took part in the celebration.

Crimean Tatar Flag Day is annually observed on June 26th to honor the Crimean Tatars’ national flag.

On June 7, unknown pro-Russian individuals vandalized Crimean Tatar businesses in Toronto. A printing shop was splattered with black paint cans.