Students from various universities in Montreal joined forces in a display of support for Palestinians in Gaza at a rally held at Concordia University’s Hall building. The event, held to commemorate the second anniversary of the Israel-Hamas conflict, aimed to advocate for divestment and show solidarity with student strikes across the city.
Rama Al Malah, representing Students for Palestine’s Honour and Resistance (SPHR) McGill, highlighted the collective effort of universities like Université de Montréal, Concordia University, and McGill University in organizing the protest. The strike aimed to remember the tragic events in Gaza and protest against investments that contribute to the conflict.
Speaking at the rally, McGill University student Lily Kassis emphasized the need to stand against investments linked to violence in Palestine. Concordia University student Ali Salman echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of supporting students in Gaza who face challenges accessing education due to the destruction of university facilities.
While the gathering drew support, it also faced opposition from counter-protestors advocating for the safety of Jewish students on college campuses. Drew Sylver, a Concordia student, expressed concerns about the broader impact of such conflicts on student safety in Quebec and Canada.
The demonstration led Concordia University to temporarily close its downtown campus, following the arrest of individuals with potentially dangerous items the day before. Despite these incidents, pro-Palestinian protesters maintained the peaceful nature of their movement, emphasizing that their goal was to voice their opinions peacefully.
The rally coincided with the anniversary of a significant event in Israel, further fueling discussions around the ongoing conflict. Additionally, other pro-Palestinian groups planned demonstrations as part of a broader mobilization effort.
The escalating violence in Gaza has led to significant casualties, with conflicting reports on the number of civilians and militants killed. Amidst these challenges, international organizations have raised concerns about the situation, with some labeling the actions in Gaza as meeting the legal definition of genocide.
Al Malah expressed optimism about the growing momentum of the pro-Palestinian movement, noting the increasing support from various sectors. The movement continues to gain traction, with demands for change resonating across different academic fields and departments.
