Large pro-Palestinian demonstrations gripped downtown Montreal on Tuesday as part of a series of planned events marking two years of conflict in Gaza. CEGEP and university student associations representing over 46,000 students voted to strike in support of Palestinians and the victims of Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Protesters, many donning keffiyehs, gathered near Mackay Street and de Maisonneuve Boulevard, with a strong police presence. Concordia University closed its downtown campus to avoid potential disruptions from protests, allowing faculty to transition to remote teaching.
The decision to close the campus aimed to safeguard the community, unprecedented due to previous on-campus protests. Demonstrations also occurred on Monday, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of Hamas’s attack in southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages in Gaza.
Israel’s military response to the conflict has led to over 67,000 deaths, prompting accusations of genocide. Student protests in Montreal demanded divestment from Israel and condemnation of the ongoing violence. Participants waved Palestinian flags, held signs denouncing genocide, and called for action against Israel.
Speaking out against the atrocities, students emphasized the importance of divesting from Israel and supporting Palestinians. The protests aimed to send a clear message to school administrations to prioritize humanitarian values over profits. Rabbi Josh Berkowitz highlighted the disruption of student activities and expressed concerns about the safety of students with Jewish identities on campus.
The demonstrations reflect ongoing student activism in the face of violence and injustice, urging institutions to take a stand against oppression.
