Hamas supporters hold rally outside historic Montreal synagogue
On March 5, 2024, a group of self-proclaimed 'pro-Palestinian' Islamist leftists headed towards a Jewish synagogue to convey a message and disrupt an ongoing event. They claim that stolen land is being sold at the synagogue.
A Jewish woman stated: "I have heard that there would be a demonstration, that the Palestinians are gonna come here and gonna try to stop us from coming and having a gathering in our own synagogue."
This is an an excuse to intimidate Jews, according to feeling Erik Heft, a participant in the real estate event at Montreal's historic Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue.
HAPPENING NOW: A police barrier is separating pro-Israel and pro-Hamas protesters here at the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in Montreal.
— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) March 5, 2024
While the pro-Israel side sings "O Canada", Hamas supporters chant "Free Palestine" and "F*ck Canada."https://t.co/iAWKHLz6Mr pic.twitter.com/hCTgbGLLWV
Typically, these Hamas-sympathizing demonstrations have taken place in public parks or on streets like Sainte-Catherine Street.
However, on Tuesday, anti-Israeli protesters chose the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue located in the Snowdon neighborhood. It is the oldest Jewish congregation in Canada, a place of prayer and safety for many Canadians and their families.
The demonstration, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., actually started around 2:30 p.m. when police arrived to establish a security perimeter around the synagogue.
Police have established a protective perimeter around the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue here in Montreal ahead of an anticipated anti-Israel protest.
— Rebel News Canada (@RebelNews_CA) March 5, 2024
Yesterday, Hamas protesters surrounded the CIJA building, preventing anyone from entering.https://t.co/9Wj3bkgpLw pic.twitter.com/lWAje0vuqD
Present at the scene were supporters of Israel singing the Canadian national anthem, while pro-Hamas demonstrators chanted "Free Palestine," and some made derogatory remarks towards Canada like "F*ck Canada."
“They're claiming that Zionists are not real Jews when in fact 90% of Jews identify as Zionists,” added Erik Heft.
While the pro-Israel side sung Canada's national anthem, Hamas supporters chanted to 'free Palestine' and 'F*** Canada' at duelling rallies separated by police outside of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue in Montreal.
— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) March 6, 2024
MORE: https://t.co/zvBSTqPsso pic.twitter.com/doFcZR4qnc
On the side of the Jewish community, a decision was made with the police to leave together at the end of the demonstration, after peacefully dancing and singing with music.
The pro-Hamas side, who were very hateful and aggressive, stayed longer until the police escorted them out of the synagogue area. According to the information we obtained, no major incidents occurred, and the police ensured that everything proceeded safely.
