A recent target of a bomb scare became ground zero in the fight against anti-Semitism on Monday.

Demonstrators gathered outside Toronto’s Miles Nadel Jewish Community Centre, which was evacuated last Tuesday after being targeted with a bomb threat.

Marlee Socket, organizer of the rally at the Bloor St.-Spadina Ave. community centre, said hate is very prevalent.

“In light of recent events we need to rally for peace and it is hard work, but here we have not only Jewish people, but people of all backgrounds and minorities that understand hate,” said Socket, a Ryerson University student.

Another Ryerson student — 20-year-old Dan Orbam — left studying for upcoming exams to attend the rally.

“I wanted to be there for the Jewish community, but the rally for peace is something important across all spectrums,” he added.

Guelph University student Ryan Zeidenberg, whose grandparents survived the Holocaust, said hatred is nothing new to his family.

“It’s surprising in such a city we have to rally for peace for all religions and colours. It’s hard to hear people are targeted,” Zeidenberg said.

Rabbi Daniel Wolnerman, of Aish Toronto, said history shows Jews can’t idly stand by in the face of hate.

Jews are eight times more likely to be the victims of hate crimes than those in other groups, according to Statistic Canada.

“We have to inspire our young people to stand up and take responsibility,” Wolnerman said.

Mayor John Tory said while there are only a small number of people spreading hate, the rally represented hope.

“The most important thing for us is to stand up and say ‘No.’ Stand in solidarity against Anti-Semitism,” Tory said.