Montreal Jewish Schools Struck by Gunfire, Trudeau and Legault Call for Calm
Montreal police have reported that two Jewish schools were targeted by gunfire overnight, prompting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier François Legault to make a united plea for calm and tolerance during these emotionally charged times.
School staff discovered bullet holes in the exterior of the buildings when they arrived in the morning. This follows a similar incident on Monday, where Molotov cocktails were thrown at a synagogue and a Jewish community centre in a Montreal suburb.
Trudeau expressed his horror upon hearing the news and unequivocally condemned this antisemitic violence. He emphasized that such hate has no place in Montreal, Quebec, or Canada as a whole. Legault echoed Trudeau’s sentiments, calling the acts terrible and horrible and stating clearly that hate and violence are not acceptable in Quebec.
Both leaders acknowledged that Canadians are shaken by the images of violence in the Israel-Hamas conflict, but they urged for calm and respectful dialogue. Trudeau emphasized that while emotions may be running high, hateful expressions of deeply held views should be rejected.
Canada has seen an increase in threats of violence, with protests, graffiti, and attacks on constituency offices. Protests on Parliament Hill have mostly been peaceful, although there was one incident where a person carrying a Nazi flag was ordered to leave. MPs have increased their security measures due to these disturbing incidents.
Violence and intimidation also erupted at Montreal’s Concordia University, where swastikas were found on a building, and altercations occurred, resulting in injuries to security guards and a student. The university president condemned the violence and intimidation.
In terms of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trudeau expressed encouragement at the deal struck by Israel, under pressure from US President Joe Biden, to open the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid. Biden stated that there is currently no possibility of a formal ceasefire, but he has requested multi-day pauses in the violence.
Trudeau emphasized the need for significant pauses to allow for the delivery of aid and to work towards a long-term solution that supports a two-state resolution for Israelis and Palestinians.
Both leaders, Trudeau and Legault, called for calm and respect towards one another, emphasizing that violence and hate should not have a place in Quebec. They urged Canadians to come together and live in harmony, expressing their hope that tensions will ease in the coming days.
Provincial and federal leaders recognized the importance of allowing people to express their concerns without fear of reprisals. They condemned associating individuals with extremist groups based on their religious or ethnic backgrounds. It was stressed that violence and hatred have no place in society.
The incidents of violence and intimidation in Montreal and the rise in threatening behavior in Canada underlie the need for unity, understanding, and respect for different perspectives. Leaders look to Canada as a place where building peaceful resolutions can start, and where people can come together to create a safe and tolerant society.
