The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg said in a social media post on Friday it did not encourage people to attend the rally on Saturday, the Sabbath. "This event was not planned by or done in consultation with Winnipeg's organized Jewish community, and we would never encourage members of our community to gather on the Sabbath or in contravention of current public health orders," the post said. On Saturday, the president of the Jewish Federation told CBC News the loss of life in the Middle East is "abhorrent." "We would like it to stop," said Joel Lazer. "We are heartbroken to see all the death, all of the destruction ... the death and destruction is disgusting and horrific and needless, in my mind."