MONTREAL — Calls for violence targeting Israeli civilians, specifically chants of “Hit, hit Tel Aviv,” were heard during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in downtown Montreal on June 15, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) confirmed. CIJA described the chants as “vile and disturbing” and warned that such incitement threatens Canadian values and community safety.
Calls for the murder of Israeli civilians — like “Hit, hit Tel Aviv,” chanted yesterday in Montreal — are vile and disturbing. We cannot allow incitement to violence on Canadian streets. This Iranian regime rhetoric is not only dangerous to our community but to Canadian values. pic.twitter.com/5ltlqVftTE
— CIJA (@CIJAinfo) June 16, 2025
CIJA’s statement said “we cannot allow incitement to violence on Canadian streets,” attributing the chant to rhetoric aligned with the Iranian regime. The organization emphasized that this mindset is not only dangerous to Canada’s Jewish community but also corrosive to broader Canadian values.
The demonstration, part of a weekend of marches in support of Gaza across Canada, drew several thousand participants in Montreal. Local media coverage described a mostly peaceful protest, but noted that the chants calling for violence stood out as alarming.
In a separate post, CIJA reiterated its concern about the spread of Iranian regime propaganda in Canada. It referenced the regime’s history of supporting extremist violence, including the downing of a civilian airliner and ongoing threats from Iranian agents.
The incident recalls earlier concerns over incitement at public protests. Last November, the RCMP launched a national security investigation into an imam accused of calling for the killing of “Zionist aggressors” during a rally in Montreal.
Jewish advocacy groups in Canada report a significant rise in antisemitic incidents since October 2023, including vandalism, threats, and arson attempts at synagogues. Prominent Jewish Federations have repeatedly urged authorities to enforce Canada’s hate speech laws.
CIJA called on Canadian authorities to take action against individuals or groups engaged in violent incitement. “Words matter,” the organization’s statement said. “Hate must be confronted swiftly and decisively.”
Police in Montreal have not yet issued a statement specifically addressing the chant. The Quebec provincial government and the Montreal police previously declined to comment Sunday pending verification.
This article is based on verified information from CIJA statements, CTV coverage, Wikipedia summaries, and historical reporting on hate incidents in Canada.