CIJA warns Iran-backed “Quds Day” is a threat to security

Ottawa, ON – March 12, 2026 – Ahead of demonstrations across Canada later this week as part of “Al Quds Day,” established in 1979 by Iran’s Supreme Leader and essentially an IRGC rally, Noah Shack, CEO, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

“Six similar incidents of gunfire targeted Iranian-Canadian and Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues and the U.S. Consulate in the last week.

“This is happening at a time when CSIS is warning about terrorist threats posed by the Iranian regime.

“On Friday and Saturday, supporters of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be taking to the streets as part of the annual “Quds Day” march.

“In the U.K.,  the London Metropolitan Police banned the Al Quds march organized by a group ‘supportive of the Iranian regime,’ based on the severity of this year’s risk assessment, including ‘serious public disorder – running the risk of injury to members of the public, protestors, police officers,’ and past years’ marches resulting in ‘arrests for supporting terrorist organisations.’

“In this dangerous environment, Canadian authorities must use every tool available to ensure public safety and protect the public from harm.”

-30-

Additional Background

• Upcoming protests:
  • Vancouver, March 13 & 14
  • Calgary, March 13
  • Toronto, March 14
  • Montreal, March 13 & 14
  • Ottawa, March 13