FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Montreal, QC – Earlier today, hundreds of peaceful pro-Israel demonstrators at Montreal’s Dorchester Square were the target of verbal and physical attacks by anti-Israel protesters.
Shocking video and eyewitness accounts confirm that a group of anti-Israel protesters attacked pro-Israel demonstrators with rocks. Witnesses, including a Journal de Montréal journalist, also reported that an anti-Israel protester had earlier attempted to pepper-spray pro-Israel demonstrators. The Montreal Police Department was forced to intervene, and the riot squad was called upon to disperse the crowd.
These latest incidents come one day after a large pro-Palestinian demonstration in which some demonstrators were seen holding antisemitic signs, inciting hatred, and vandalizing private property.
Federation CJA and the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) unequivocally condemn these acts of aggression, intimidation, and hatred directed at members of the Montreal Jewish community and supporters of Israel. There is absolutely no justification for violence in Quebec, no matter the cause.
We welcome the statement by Quebec’s Minister responsible for the fight against racism and call on elected officials to join him in condemning these terrible incidents.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of Canada’s Jewish Federations, including Montreal’s Federation CJA.
Additional information:
- Videos and images, here.
