Murray Trachtenberg as ghostbuster!

Klan activity in Manitoba not directed against Jews yet

The Jewish Post & News

By Myron Love/May 22, 1991/Page 3

Jewish individuals have not been targets of Klu Klux Klan activity in the province over the last couple of years, reports Murray Trachtenberg, Chairman of B'nai Brith Canada League for Human Rights, Midwest Region. "We haven't had any specific complaints from the Jewish Community. I would temper that by noting that, from past experience, we know Jews are high on the Klan lists.

Responding to the Crown Attorney Department's decision last month not to press charges against a local Klan activist at present, both Trachtenberg and Joe Wilder of the Canadian Jewish Congress expressed their trust in the wisdom of the Crown's decision at this time. They both expressed the hope that the decision will be reconsidered if new evidence comes forth.

An RCMP-Winnipeg police department investigation was launched last November after the Manitoba Intercultural Council (MIC) received a package of Klan hate mail. The investigation has centred on a man from Stonewall who was identified on an MTN report as Bill Harcus (He was interviewed on MTN and freely admitted his Klan activities.

Crown Attorney Michael Watson, director of regional prosecutors, explained the decision not to prosecute was based on serious doubts the Crown would be able to secure a conviction under the hate laws from the one mailing. The package to the MIC was reportedly mailed by someone who had a falling out with Harcus, and may have been trying to get him in trouble. There was no indication this was part of an organized campaign of hate, or that there was any intention to stir up hatred against any specific religiouis, racial or ethnic group.

The Crown Attorney did note, though, investiagations are continuing into Klan "business" and "Christmas" cards Harcus bragged about putting on car windshields in Winnipeg, Portage and Brandon during the MTN interview. As well, NDP MLA Marianne Cerille reportedy told the Legislature May 9 about a "dial-the-Klan" line, whose number some Winnipeg school children got hold of. She asked Manitoba Telephone System Minister Glen Findlay to take action. He promised to look into it.

In the meantime, Trachtenberg says, to his knowledge, Klan activity here is at about the same level it was a couple of months ago. "All the recent publicity has probably caused them to maintain a lower profile," he says.