TORONTO โ Concordia University closed its downtown campus and canceled in-person classes on Tuesday after authorities warned that large demonstrations planned for the second anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack risked โextreme disruption.โ Concordia President Graham Carr said two people had been arrested the day before after a classroom disruption and that one of those was found with a metal bar and incendiary devices, prompting the preventive shutdown.
Montreal saw the largest and most visible campus actions. Student organizers led a march from Concordia into McGillโs central campus. University Affairs journalists and local media reported more than 500 protesters at downtown Montreal campuses. Protesters burned a blue and white flag and, according to the Montreal Gazette, at least one individual smashed a window at McGillโs Redpath Library. Police deployed mounted units and officers in riot gear to guard key entrances.
FIREWORKS: Anti-Israel protesters who have taken over McGillโs campus appear to be firing flares, fireworks, or other incendiary devices.
— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) October 7, 2025
A large cloud of smoke is visible from afar. Montreal police are monitoring the situation.
Many attendees are concealing their identitiesโฆ pic.twitter.com/T2heHLu6Dw
Protests and vigils took place in other Canadian cities and on multiple campuses, part of a worldwide wave of demonstrations marking the anniversary. International outlets said demonstrations were held in major cities globally and urged protesters not to cross into glorification of violence. Canadian university administrators and police increased security precautions in response.
In southern Ontario, the University of Toronto Mississauga student union drew sharp criticism after an Instagram poster initially advertised an event described as โHonour Our Martyrs.โ Student leaders subsequently issued a follow-up saying they had adjusted the framing and emphasized guest speakers and a โsafe and respectful spaceโ for mourning and testimony. The revision sought to allay concerns after social media backlash and public condemnation.
Organizers said the campus strike and rallies were intended to press universities to divest from companies connected to military activity in Gaza and to publicize what they call the humanitarian toll in the enclave. University Affairs reported that more than 62 post-secondary schools had voted to take part in strike actions on Oct. 6 and 7. Protest groups named in Montreal included Students for Palestineโs Honour and Resistance chapters and affiliated college groups.
Jewish and civic groups called for restraint and for campus leaders to protect Jewish students. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and other community organizations warned of a spike in antisemitic incidents since Oct. 7, 2023, and urged universities and police to ensure safe, non-hostile campuses. Bโnai Brith Canada and other advocacy groups publicly urged administrators to act swiftly against any speech or conduct that celebrates terrorism.
Political leaders spoke out. Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a formal statement marking the second anniversary, in which he condemned Hamas, called for the immediate release of hostages, and reiterated Ottawaโs commitment to measures to combat hate crimes and protect places of worship and schools. The statement also noted recent federal legislative steps to strengthen hate-crime provisions and to prohibit the display of terrorist symbols. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre issued a separate statement condemning the Oct. 7 attacks and urging support for Jewish Canadians facing threats and harassment.
Campus officials emphasized their duty to preserve safety and learning. Concordiaโs president said the university had never before taken such a preventive measure in response to demonstrations and that the decision to close the downtown campus was made with โprofound sadnessโ but out of concern for the community. Other universities issued advisories, limited access at sensitive sites, and increased liaison with local police.
Accounts from the day describe a mix of peaceful vigils, speech, and, at times, confrontational incidents. University Affairs described students erecting signs, distributing leaflets, and calling for divestment, while also reporting episodes of property damage in Montreal. Local police told reporters they were monitoring the events and deployed units to key points; at the time of reporting, Montreal police said there were no major injuries reported during the dayโs actions.
For Jewish and pro-Israel communities, the anniversary and the campus actions were a reminder of continued security concerns and of the emotional strain the past two years have placed on families and communities in Canada and abroad. Community groups urged universities to balance freedom of expression with an unequivocal rejection of hate and the glorification of terror. Several called for clearer campus policies to prevent incitement and to protect vulnerable students.
The situation remains fluid. Campus statements, police reports, and community reactions are expected to be updated as events wind down and as university administrations assess any damage or incidents. Journalists and officials advised students to consult their universities for the latest safety notices and campus status updates.
This article is based on verified information from Concordia University, University Affairs, Reuters, TheJ, INsauga, and the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada.