The Montreal police hate crimes unit is investigating an incident at a pro-Palestinian protest over the weekend in which effigies appearing to be three political figures were seen hanging. In an email to CityNews the Montreal police said: “A thorough analysis of the situation is currently underway.”
Videos showing the mock-hangings could be seen on the Instagram page of MTL4PAL on Wednesday morning.
A statement posted on the MTL4PAL page said: “The effigies displayed during the demonstration were directed specifically at political figures: Benjamin Netanyahu, Itamar Ben Gvir, and Donald Trump. This was aimed at the political architects of policies against Palestinians. At no point were these depictions intended to represent Judaism, Jewish people, or any religious, ethnic or identifiable community.”
In a joint statement, The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and Federation CJA said: “The group Montreal4Palestine crossed the line. Jews hanging from a rope. This deeply antisemitic act, directly targeting our community is reminiscent of the darkest hours of history.”
Their statement adds they have filed a complaint with the SPVM. “Those who committed these hateful acts must be held accountable.”
Montreal mayor Soraya Martinez-Ferrada denounced the actions, posting on “X” in French, she said:
“The incitement to violence, symbols of hate, and acts of intimidation we see on our streets are unacceptable. Images of hangings or effigies have no place in Montrea, or anywhere else. Montreal must remain a city of dialogue, respect, and community, where everyone can feel safe and treated with dignity.”
L’incitation à la violence, les symboles de haine et les mises en scène d’intimidation qu’on voit dans nos rues sont inacceptables. Les images de pendaisons ou les effigies n’ont pas leur place à Montréal, ni ailleurs.Montréal doit rester une ville de dialogue, de respect et de…
Quebec domestic public security minister Ian Lafrenière also condemned the actions, posting on “X”: “The images of simulated hangings during a demonstration in Montreal are completely unacceptable. This kind of gesture has no place in our society.”
