Large pro-Palestinian protests filled downtown Montreal on Tuesday to mark two years since the conflict in Gaza began. Student associations from various colleges and universities in Montreal, representing over 46,000 students, voted to go on strike in solidarity with Palestinians and the many casualties resulting from Israeli military actions in Gaza. Demonstrators, some wearing keffiyehs, gathered near Mackay Street and de Maisonneuve Boulevard, with a significant police presence in the vicinity.
Concordia University closed its downtown campus on Tuesday to avoid potential disruptions from the protests. The university’s president, Graham Carr, explained that the decision was made to protect the campus community, citing concerns over previous protests on campus. The demonstrations, which also took place on Monday, aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict.
The protests in Montreal included calls for divestment from Israel and denunciations of alleged genocide. Participants waved Palestinian flags, set off smoke bombs, and even burned an Israeli flag. They marched through downtown streets chanting slogans and demanding action against the violence in Gaza.
Students from Université de Montréal voiced their support for the protests, emphasizing the need to speak out against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They urged their schools to divest from Israel and take a stronger stand against the conflict. Rabbi Josh Berkowitz from Concordia University expressed concerns about the disruptions caused by the protests, stating that some students feel unsafe on campus due to the ongoing tensions.
The demonstrations underscored the ongoing tensions and deep divisions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with students and community members calling for justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
