A Syrian family says it is shutting down its Toronto restaurant after receiving death threats, a week after a relative was involved in a protest at a Maxime Bernier speaking event in Hamilton where a senior was blocked from entering.
The Al-Soufi family, owners of Soufi's located on Queen Street West near Tecumseth Street, said Tuesday they are "heartbroken" about the decision.
"However, we could not put our family members, staff, and patrons in danger," they said in a statement. "The magnitude of hate we are facing is overwhelming."
The family also released some of the racist and violent messages they have received.
"Your going back in a box," read part of one message.
"Keep it up and your family, and those who defend your family's terrorist actions will suffer immensely," reads another.
Other messages and posts provided by the family advocate extreme acts of violence against them.
