PUBLIC PALESTINIAN SOLIDARITY IN CANADA

'You do not speak for me' to 'A strong statement needed to be made': Canadians react to leaders addressing Israel-Gaza war

Both the Canadian and Ontario Premier were in attendance and made statements at pro-Israel rallies on Thanksgiving Day


Corné van Hoepen
·Contributor, Yahoo News Canada
Updated Tue, October 10, 2023 

Canadians gathered across the country on Thanksgiving Day in a display of solidarity — some to Palestine, some to Israel — as the conflict lingers on and the death toll mounts.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a firm stance against the deadly Hamas attack at a gathering Monday evening at the Soloway Jewish Community Centre in Ottawa.

“Hamas terrorists aren't a resistance, they're not freedom fighters. They are terrorists, and no one in Canada should be supporting them, much less celebrating them,” Trudeau said.

Over in Toronto, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland took to the stage at Mel Lastman Square in North York where a massive crowd gathered to show support for Israel.

“We will always be an ally, we will always be a friend and, my friends, we wish you lasting peace and freedom,” Ford said.




Israel-Gaza conflict: Trudeau condemns 'brutal, horrific' Hamas attacks

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended a vigil for Israel at a Jewish Community Centre in Ottawa on Monday, expressing his support for Israel. “First, let me begin by being absolutely clear: Canada unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms condemns these terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas," Trudeau said, describing the attacks as “brutal and horrific.”

 

'You will NEVER speak for me': Social media reacts

With both the prime minister and Ontario premier making blanket statement pledging support of Israel while denouncing the pro-Palestinian rallies held on Canada's streets, social media users are reacting with varied responses.

Some point to Palestine's right to defend themselves — but it is worth noting that the unprecedented attack against Israel on Saturday by Hamas militants was not an act of self-defence.

Some notable responses poured in applauding the prime minister's strong denunciation of the Hamas attack.

"He nearly sounded like a prime minister," commented one social media user.

Although, the synonymous front Canadian leaders from various political backings appear to hold is drawing skepticism from some.

Over in Toronto, one social media user says the Ontario premier "spoke with moral clarity," during his remarks in North York.

Others were calling for the Ontario premier to share some of the history behind the the Israel-Palestine conflict.

"Proud to have you as a premier of Ontario!" said one social media user in response to the premier's speech.

'That's nice and all' to 'You are siding with oppression': PM Trudeau's unapologetic pro-Israel stance draws flurry of reactions from Canadians

Canadian landmarks were lit up in solidarity for Israel on Sunday as the country lashes back at an unprecedented terror attack


Corné van Hoepen
·Contributor, Yahoo News Canada
Updated Mon, October 9, 2023 

Canadian landmarks lit up to show support for Israel (@norlowsky/Twitter)

As Canadian landmarks were lit up in Israeli colours and flags on Parliament Hill flown at half-mast as a display of solidarity in the wake of the deadly Hamas terror attacks against Israel, some social media users are reacting with mixed opinions.

Monday saw Israel enter it's third day of conflict with Gaza in what is now being declared as a full-blown war, with hundreds of Israeli and Palestinians dead, and thousands more injured.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was quick to publicly condemn the surprise attack by the Hamas, posted on social media on Sunday that the Peace Tower in Ottawa would be lit up blue and white, and flags at the Peace Tower, Prime Minister's Office, and across Parliament Hill would be lowered.

"Canada stands with Israel," the prime minister's statement reads.

Sunday evening, the City of Vancouver also announced that they would be decking the city hall in Israeli colours as a show of solidarity.

Prime minister's unwavering Israel support draws mixed reactions

Reaction from Canadian social media users to Trudeau's response to the attacks range from supportive to calls for more support for the Palestinian community.

As Thanksgiving Day sees flights grounded in Tel Aviv and the Canadian embassy shuttered, many are calling for more efforts to help Canadians on the ground in Israel.

Others point to the performative appearance of lighting of landmarks, and saying more should be done to bring peace to the region.

These social media users raise the point on how innocent blood is being shed on both sides as the conflict wages on.

Others pondered if Canada would show support for lives of Palestinians lost during the long-standing conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Some social media users say the lighting of landmarks in Israeli colours only continues to uphold and legitimize apartheid.

Others just offered up a simple thanks for taking a strong stance on an act of terror.