Trudeau Condemns Violence and Antisemitism at Montreal Protests

On Friday night, protests in downtown Montreal turned violent as demonstrators gathered for anti-NATO and anti-Israel demonstrations during the NATO alliance's annual assembly. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly condemned the acts of violence and antisemitism that took place, calling the scenes "appalling."

Around 300 NATO delegates were in Montreal from November 22-25, and the protests quickly escalated. Local media reported that protesters burned an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, set two vehicles on fire, and launched smoke bombs into the air. Videos and photos from the scene showed rioters wearing masks, burning flares, and vandalizing storefronts. In response, Montreal police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, resulting in the arrest of three individuals for assaulting officers and obstructing police work.

Trudeau took to social media, emphasizing the need to condemn such acts of hate, stating, "Acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever we see them." He urged for a collective stance against such actions, noting that they have no place in society.

Protests have been ongoing throughout Canada since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict following a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and the kidnapping of over 250 hostages, 101 of whom still remain in captivity.