Large pro-Palestinian demonstrations flooded downtown Montreal on Tuesday in commemoration of the two-year conflict in Gaza. CEGEP and university student associations representing over 46,000 students voted to strike in solidarity with Palestinians and the victims of Israeli military actions in Gaza. Protesters, donning keffiyehs, gathered at Mackay Street and de Maisonneuve Boulevard, with a heavy police presence nearby.
Concordia University closed its downtown campus to avoid potential disruptions from protests, shifting to remote delivery where feasible. The decision to shut down the campus aimed to safeguard the community, according to Concordia’s president, Graham Carr.
The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, which started with a Hamas attack in southern Israel in 2023, has resulted in significant casualties. The military operations that followed have led to a high number of casualties, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 67,000 deaths. International attention has focused on Israel’s actions, with arrest warrants issued for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and allegations of genocide.
In Montreal, demonstrators demanded divestment from Israel and denounced genocide, calling for action from educational institutions. Thousands of students supported demands to divest from Israel, take a public stance against Israel, and provide protection to supporters of Palestinians.
Rabbi Josh Berkowitz of Concordia University expressed concerns about the disruptions affecting students, highlighting the challenges faced by those preparing for exams. The protests have created an environment of discomfort and safety concerns for students with Jewish identities on campus.
The protests in Montreal were marked by passionate calls for justice and solidarity with Palestinians, as demonstrators marched through the city streets, waving flags and holding signs. The demonstrations underscored the ongoing tensions and deep-rooted emotions surrounding the conflict in the region.