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Nearby, another man carried two signs bearing popular images often used by the so-called “alt-right” to troll the left — “Sad Pepe” and the flag of “Kekistan.” He appeared thrilled by all the attention he was getting.

Photo by Jason Payne / PNG

Southeast of city hall, a notorious local Holocaust denier, Brian Ruhe, raised his right hand in the Nazi salute as police surrounded him. Ruhe smiled and laughed as counter-protesters shouted anti-Nazi slogans and profanity at him. He was immediately escorted away by police.

Sgt. Jason Robillard said officers made five arrests Saturday for breach of the peace, while two other people were escorted away from the rally to “prevent a disturbance.” There were no reported assaults or injuries.

Annie Ohana, who with her group Stand Up To Racism Metro Vancouver helped organize the counter-protest, said she felt vindicated after seeing such a turnout for an event that proved mostly peaceful.

Ohana said she faced criticism by those who felt a counter-protest could lead to a violent clash, but said she felt it was important that people spoke out and didn’t feel intimidated.

Photo by Jason Payne / PNG

Scores of police and other first responders were stationed throughout city hall property.

Ohana said she respected the need to protect people’s right to freedom of expression “within reasonable limits of the law,” and said she hoped people would go home thinking on their experience and what they heard from Muslim, Jewish, Indigenous, black and other people Saturday.

“Overall, it was love and it was joy, and I saw people listening,” Ohana said.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson addressed the counter-protest, saying he was proud of the people of Vancouver for their show of strength and diversity in response to the planned anti-Islam rally.

“There’s lots of problems around the world,” Robertson said. “We’ve got to take care of home base and make sure we’re a beacon of that positive love and respect.”

Photo by Jason Payne / PNG

SOME OF NICK EAGLAND’S BEST TWEETS FROM THE RALLY