We Believe in Israel condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent riots that erupted in Montreal over the weekend during what was initially presented as a pro-Palestinian demonstration. What began as a protest quickly descended into chaos, with acts of arson, vandalism, and antisemitic displays, including the abhorrent burning of an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Nazi salutes. Such actions are not expressions of free speech but clear incitements to hatred and violence that have no place in a civilised society.

These events are part of a disturbing global trend where antisemitism, thinly veiled as anti-Zionism, is on the rise. Calls to “globalise the intifada” and acts of aggression targeting Jewish communities, businesses, and individuals are becoming alarmingly frequent. This is not the exercise of political dissent; it is the weaponisation of hatred, deliberately designed to intimidate and harm.

The failure of authorities to adequately address these incidents, compounded by the absence of clear condemnation from political leaders, sends a dangerous message: that such violence will be tolerated. Inaction emboldens extremists and leaves Jewish communities feeling vulnerable and isolated.

We call on Canadian authorities to take immediate action to hold the perpetrators accountable and to reaffirm their commitment to protecting all communities from hate-driven violence. Political leaders must also speak out unequivocally against this antisemitic aggression and ensure that the rhetoric of incitement is challenged, not normalised.

This is not merely a local issue but part of a broader challenge facing democracies worldwide. The violence in Montreal serves as a stark warning that tolerance for hatred threatens the very fabric of pluralistic societies. It is incumbent upon all of us—governments, civil society, and individuals—to stand united against this rising tide of antisemitism and ensure that no group is ever left to face hatred and violence alone.