Hamas’ attack on Israel last weekend sparked nationwide protests in Canada with demonstrations held in cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Tensions often ran high, with occasional clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators. Protests often featured particularly controversial statements, including calls for violence and escalation.
Ottawa
In the heart of Ottawa, a pro-Hamas rally erupted on Sunday as approximately 200 demonstrators gathered to voice their support for Hamas’ attack on Israel.
Protestors were heard chanting slogans calling for the eradication of Israel from the Middle East.
Toronto
On Monday, in the aftermath of the recent deadly Hamas attacks on Israel, anti-Israel protestors gathered unsanctioned outside Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square.
The march, organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement, featured provocative signs like “Smash Israeli Apartheid,” and “USA is a terrorist.”
Toronto Police allowed street closures as protesters advanced toward the Israeli consulate, and some participants openly justified the Hamas attack.
Edmonton
An open call for violence against Israelis emerged at a rally in Edmonton, Canada on Sunday, prompting a local Conservative MP to denounce the event.
Protesters claimed that “there’s no civilians” when it comes to the indiscriminate killing by Hamas of Israeli citizens.
The event included a street party, rally, and vehicle convoy celebrating the tragic loss of innocent Israeli civilians to Hamas terrorists. MEP Michael Cooper expressed his deep dismay, emphasizing that the victims of the recent attack were civilians—men, women, and children who were entirely blameless.
Vancouver
At a pro-Palestinian rally outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, police maintained a strong presence while tensions flared as a small group of pro-Israeli protesters arrived to denounce the gathering.
A representative from the Canadian Palestine Association claimed the conflict was not with Israel but with the United States and NATO. The use of the inflammatory “from the river to the sea” slogan was also present.
Montreal
In Montreal, Canada, a large pro-Hamas celebration rally took place in downtown following the tragic killing of Israeli civilians. Protesters at the Montréal rally chanted provocative slogans, including “Israel Terrorist, Canada Accomplice.”
The rally garnered condemnation from prominent figures, including Quebec Premier François Legault
