On the anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel that triggered an ongoing conflict in Gaza, ceremonies, events, and protests are taking place across Canada. The attack on Oct. 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 250 others who were held as hostages. This led to an Israeli counter-offensive in Gaza, resulting in over 41,000 deaths according to the health ministry there. The conflict has had global implications, including in Canada, where families mourn loved ones lost, numerous protests leading to arrests, and an increase in hate crimes against Jews and Muslims. Cities across Canada are increasing protections, especially around Jewish and Muslim places of worship on the anniversary.
Jewish groups in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are holding events to honor the victims of the attack and call for the return of hostages. At the same time, protests in solidarity with the Palestinian people are planned, such as the one in Montreal supporting Palestinians’ fight for liberation. Groups that previously held an encampment at McGill University are organizing a walkout and march to demonstrate against the university’s ties to companies linked to the Israeli military. Additional vigils organized by Jewish groups are also planned in commemoration of the anniversary.
In Montreal, a group called Montreal4Palestine is organizing a solidarity event with Palestinians on the anniversary. They express support for the resistance and the fight for freedom through any means necessary. McGill University is restricting access to its campuses on the anniversary due to planned events. Quebec Superior Court has granted a temporary injunction against groups to prevent blocking access to Concordia University or disrupting classes. Police forces across Canada are increasing their presence to ensure safety during the anniversary commemorations.
In Vancouver, protests are planned by a pro-Palestinian group named Samidoun, referring to the Oct. 7 attacks as the “Al-Aqsa Flood,” the code name used by Hamas for the operation. Toronto has experienced over 1,500 demonstrations since the previous October, with several protest-related arrests. Additionally, there have been 350 hate crimes reported this year, a 40 percent increase from the previous year. Hate crimes against Jewish residents have surged by 69 percent. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East, as events continue to unfold in the region, including Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Iran’s missile strikes on Israel.
The weekend before the anniversary saw rallies and protests around the world, with large events in European cities and vigils and marches in Canada. Israel has been targeting Hezbollah and Hamas fighters in Lebanon, leading to ground incursions and airstrikes on Palestinian refugee camps. Iran, a supporter of both Hamas and Hezbollah, launched numerous ballistic missiles at Israel in recent days. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing conflicts and tensions in the Middle East influencing events globally and within Canada. The anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel serves as a reminder of the continued unrest and violence in the region.
