Public Commemoration of 100th Anniversary of 1918 Toronto Anti-Greek Riots at City Hall on Aug 2nd

(TORONTO, July 17, 2018) – Imagine being targeted for who you are or where you came from. Accused of stealing jobs from Canadians. 

Sound familiar? It is. But this isn’t being ripped from the headlines in 2018. Instead, this is the story of Greek immigrants trying to make a life for themselves in 1918 Toronto, the year 50,000 people crammed the streets of Toronto hunting Greeks and destroying their businesses in the city’s worst ethnic riots in its history.

One hundred years later, our community has moved on, fully integrated within the fabric of this city and Canadian life. The racism towards Greek-Canadians in 1918 is surprising to members of our community and Torontonians alike. 

Come learn about a piece of Toronto’s forgotten history that has spanned a century with little more than a mention. Come learn the lessons commemorating this event will bring.

The Hellenic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting Hellenism throughout Canada is spearheading a year-long tribute to the events of 1918 Anti-Greek Riots with a special commemorative gathering at Nathan Phillips Square in Thursday, Aug. 2 at noon – exactly 100 years to the day Greek business owners had their restaurants and cafes destroyed.  

Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W. 
When: Thursday Aug. 2, noon to 1:15 pm Refreshments will be served.
What: A public commemoration by the Hellenic Heritage Foundation with speeches and musical performances

The HHF is also hosting a photo exhibit, Greeks in Toronto: The Immigrant Experience in the Rotunda at City Hall from Monday, July 30 to Sunday, Aug. 5. All are invited to view the exhibit. 

Contact: 

George Keroglidis, Managing Director events@hhf.ca (416)447-7107
Until July 22: Helene Vassos, Director hvassos@rogers.com (416)303-2650 
After July 22: Sandra Gionas, Director  sandra.gionas@sympatico.ca (416)948-7709

Available for interview: 

  • Chris Grafos, historian (Greek-Canadian history)
    • John Burry, filmmaker, “Violent August: The 1918 Anti-Greek Riots”
    • Descendants of the original 1918 restaurant owners 
    • Members of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation’s organizing History Committee

B-roll and/or images: 

The Hellenic Heritage Foundation is a charitable organization committed to the preservation, promotion and advancement of Hellenic education and culture in Canada.  For more information, call (416) 447-7107 or visit our website atwww.hhf.ca

Charitable Business No. 88776 9297 RR0001