Hate-Fueled Protest Outside Montreal Synagogue Sparks Outcry and Calls for Action
Montreal – Montreal’s Jewish community faced a brazen display of hatred and intimidation last night as a pro-Hamas mob gathered outside the Chevra Kadisha synagogue, chanting vile threats such as “We will make your life miserable” and “Jews go back to Europe.” This open attack on a sacred place of worship and Canadian values has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) swiftly condemned the protest, stating:
“Pro-terror mobs escalated their hatred this evening in Montreal by targeting the Chevra Kadisha synagogue. Nothing can excuse this open attack on Canadian values with chants like ‘We will make your life miserable’ or ‘[Jews] go back to Europe.’ Enough is enough! We need political leaders at all levels of government to urgently act.”
Eta Yudin, Quebec Vice-President for CIJA, emphasized the severity of the threat:
“Our community sought an injunction after protesters surrounded a Jewish community centre, blocking people inside and chanting antisemitic slogans. This kind of intimidation cannot be tolerated.”
The protest was not a peaceful demonstration of political opinion but a calculated effort to intimidate and threaten Jewish worshippers and residents. The chants echoed classic antisemitic tropes and incited fear among community members who gathered inside the synagogue.
Jeremy Levi, Mayor of the Town of Hampstead, responded with fierce condemnation:
“Tonight in Montreal, a pack of pro-Hamas fanatics showed up to scream at Jews outside a synagogue—proof that their movement is fueled by cowardice and hate, not justice. These degenerates didn’t come to protest; they came to intimidate. And they failed. Miserably. The police penned them in like the unruly animals they’ve chosen to become, and that’s exactly where they belong. We are not afraid of you. We do not run from you. We stand taller with every pathetic stunt you pull. You haven’t shaken us—you’ve only exposed your own irrelevance. While you chant in the streets, desperate for attention, we stand united, unbroken, and unbothered. Keep barking. We’re still laughing.”
Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, whose riding includes the synagogue, also condemned the protest, emphasizing the need for stronger protections:
“Tonight, protesters gathered outside a synagogue in my riding. Places of worship, schools & community centres are not the right venues to protest. All communities have the right to feel safe & not be intimidated when they pray, learn, or gather. I once again call on the Agglomeration of Montreal to follow Toronto and adopt a bubble bylaw that will be enforced. Federally, I look forward to legislation being introduced to fulfil our campaign promise to amend the Criminal Code to better protect communities.”
The Chevra Kadisha synagogue, a cornerstone of Montreal’s Jewish life, has long been a symbol of resilience and community. Rabbi Asher Jacobson, spiritual leader of Congregation Chevra Kadisha, remarked:
“Our synagogue is more than a building; it is a sanctuary for Jewish life, faith, and culture. Attempts to intimidate us only strengthen our resolve to stand united and protect our heritage.”
Over recent years, Montreal and Canada have witnessed a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents. According to Federation CJA’s December 2024 report, antisemitic acts in the city have surged, with synagogues and Jewish community centres increasingly targeted. The recent injunction granted to Jewish groups to prevent protests near Jewish institutions reflects the urgent need to safeguard these vulnerable spaces.
This disturbing trend is part of a larger national pattern. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs has documented a significant increase in antisemitic incidents across Canada, often linked to tensions arising from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These attacks range from verbal harassment to physical threats and vandalism, creating an atmosphere of fear within Jewish communities.
The pro-Hamas protest outside Chevra Kadisha is a stark reminder that antisemitism often masquerades as political dissent but is fundamentally rooted in hatred and bigotry. Community leaders stress that such acts must be met with zero tolerance and decisive action from all levels of government.
Jewish organizations and leaders continue to call for comprehensive education programs to combat antisemitism and promote understanding. They emphasize the importance of fostering a society where diversity is respected and hate has no foothold.
Despite the intimidation, Montreal’s Jewish community remains steadfast. The outpouring of support from local officials, law enforcement, and allies across Canada underscores a collective commitment to protect Jewish life and values.
As Rabbi Jacobson affirms, “We will not be silenced or driven away. Our faith and community endure, and together we will overcome hate.”
This article is based on verified information from reputable Canadian news outlets, official statements from Jewish community leaders, and reports from Jewish advocacy organizations, reflecting the ongoing challenges and resilience of the Jewish community in Montreal and Canada.
I was at the protest and there was nothing antisemitic about it. I’m glad that there were Jews on the side that condemned Israel’s assault on 2 million natives, starving, bombing and driving them out of what’s left of their lands once again. This is an old story… When you start to feel that you are dehumanizing the “other”, it’s good to examine oneself and the messaging that promotes it. At the same time there is an urgency of providing food and medication to those that are facing certain death at the hands of the Israeli government. I don’t think that’s what it means to be Jewish. The world isn’t a better place by supporting the IDF’s actions. The Jewish opinion matters and it isn’t a monolith. What side of history do you want to be on? It’s OK to change your mind and examine your beliefs. Speak up and take a side but don’t be a coward.
We’re you carrying a paliwali flag?
How dare you protest outside a place of Jewish worship.
Have you NO shame???????