On the afternoon of May 15th 2021 demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians broke out in many places in Canada. Although these places are still in strict anti-epidemic measures, prohibiting outdoor gatherings of more than five people, there are still a large number of demonstrators on the streets. Demonstrators called for respect for the human rights of Palestinians and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
In Winnipeg, Manitoba’s provincial capital, pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with pro-Israel demonstrators outside the provincial council building. As the police separated the two sides, there was no conflict between the two sides, and the police did not arrest anyone for violating the epidemic prevention laws by the demonstrators.
In Toronto, Ontario’s provincial capital, thousands of people gathered in the square in front of City Hall on the afternoon of the 15th to show solidarity with the Palestinians, even though the “home order” was still in place. As in Winnipeg, some Jews organized opposing demonstrations. The police separated the two sides with a barrier and there was no clashes between the two sides.
In Ottawa, Canada’s capital, and Montreal, the largest city in the French-speaking region, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators condemned Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and Palestinian areas and demanded assistance from the Canadian government to the Palestinians.
In Vancouver, the largest city in the west, pro-Palestinian crowds gathered outside the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation building before marching to the front of the U.S. consulate. Demonstrators demanded that the Canadian media speak out for the Palestinians.
In addition, the same day in Edmonton, alberta’s capital, Nova Scotia’s capital Halifax and other places also broke out in varying degrees of solidarity with the Palestinian demonstrations. The Jewish community also held a demonstration on the 16th to show support for Israel.
To date, the Government and Parliament of Canada have not expressed support for the Palestinians or called on Israel to respect the human rights of the Palestinians.
