Zach Hyman speaks out against trucker convoy in Ottawa

Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman isn't afraid to speak out against racism and anti-semitism when he sees it. Which, is why he's speaking out against some of the outright horrendous things that have been on display in the otherwise peaceful "Freedom Rally" currently taking place in Ottawa, Ontario.

Images of individuals wearing swastikas and Nazi symbols have been seen on some protestors and to Hyman, a practicing Jew, that's worth speaking out against. 

“It’s disturbing and disheartening to see that antisemitism is on the rise, unfortunately, which is crazy nowadays,” Hyman said in an interview with The Athletic. “Seeing that and being Jewish and being proud of my heritage — and it was just Holocaust Memorial Day a couple days ago — and it was right around the time the swastikas were up."

“Hopefully, I can bring awareness that things like that aren’t OK. It was just disturbing to see that.”

Hyman and the Oilers were in Ottawa just last night, losing a 3-2 OT decision to the Ottawa Senators and he felt compelled to share his thoughts with the media while in the Nation's Capital.

“The Jewish community, the Black community, the Muslim community, all different minorities — it’s easy to target people who are different in some way," Hyman said. "Whether it’s the colour of your skin or your religion or your gender or your sexual orientation … we should be at a point in life and society where you can be whatever you want to be, and feel free to do that."

“When you see flags that symbolize the opposite — of hatred — it’s disturbing. We need more awareness and more education.”

And Hyman isn't just all talk. He and his wife Alannah Mozes are actively involved in Edmonton's Jewish community, just as they were in their native Toronto. To Hyman and Mozes their religion is a big part of who they are.

“It’s important to be proud of your heritage and where you’re from and your religion,” Hyman said. “Being in a new city and being able to show a new group of people that I’m proud to be here and proud of where I come from and get to meet a bunch of the Edmonton Jewish community was cool. Lighting the menorah was really special and a huge honour.”

For the full article from The Athletic, click below: