Court grants Federation CJA and intervening parties six-month safeguard order to protect community

Montreal, QC – April 19, 2024 – Today, as part of its strategy to support and ensure the safety of the Jewish community and its institutions, Federation CJA and the intervening parties returned to the Quebec Superior Court to request an extension of the injunction requiring that protestors remain at a safe distance away from specified Jewish community buildings. The Court granted the safeguard order for a period of 6 months, requiring protesters to stay 50 metres away from the buildings.

Following months of aggressive antisemitic protests targeting places of worship, schools, and community organizations, on March 5, 2023, Federation CJA successfully sought an injunction to protect community members and create effective buffer zones that allow safe access to essential spaces. Originally in place for ten days, in the past six weeks, the Court renewed the injunction multiple times and expanded it to cover 20 organizations, effectively encompassing 27 community buildings.

QUOTES

Yair Szlak, President and CEO, Federation CJA:

“Today was a win for the community. For the sixth time a judge has recognized the necessity to protect Jewish life and practice from irrational attack and intimidation, issuing a sixth-month order. That Federation CJA had already succeeded in obtaining several injunctions and renewals to protect our institutions was a reflection of the court’s understanding of the dangerous and escalating nature of the continual protests targeting Montreal’s Jewish community. By way of our intervention, we have assisted and provided law enforcement additional metrics to safeguard our community.

“The judgement rendered reaffirms that the rights to demonstrate and to freedom of expression do not include permission to intimidate and threaten the Jewish community. We are proud of the work of the legal team leading our efforts and grateful for the tireless work of the Community Security Network to ensure the safety and security of Jewish Montrealers.”

Eta Yudin, Vice President – Quebec, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs:

"We are deeply gratified by the court's decision to extend the order, ensuring that a safe and respectful distance is maintained around our communal institutions. This ruling not only reinforces the right to security and peace for the Montreal Jewish community but also upholds the essential values of respect and coexistence that define our society.

“We remain committed to working with all community members and authorities to foster an environment where safety and harmony prevail. The right to express opinions is a cherished democratic value, but that does not include providing a platform for hate and intimidation against our community. The court has recognized that and acted appropriately." 

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