In a recent event at Concordia University, Jewish students staged a protest to demand the release of over 240 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. 

The exhibit’s goal was to bring attention to the situation of these hostages. When a group of anti-Israel activists attacked the Jewish students, it resulted in verbal assaults, shoving, and harassment.

Watch the video below:

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The attack on Jewish kids generated outrage  and condemnation for its inhumane and cruel nature.  However, Concordia is not an isolated instance. A synagogue and a Jewish community center in Montreal were also targeted by attempted firebomb attacks. These acts of violence serve as a vivid reminder of the escalating tensions in North America in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The attempted firebombing at a West Island community center and Congregation Beth Tikvah was confirmed by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), a group representing Jewish communities in Canada. Fortunately, no one was hurt in these attacks, which took place in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, a primarily English-speaking Montreal suburb.

The attempted arson was criticized by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stressed that antisemitism is intolerable and must be strongly condemned. The CIJA reiterated this view, urging for the offenders to be held accountable.

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The Montreal Police Department is actively examining these instances, as concerns increase over the spread of the Israel-Gaza war into local communities. The recent instances have been added to a growing list of purported hate crimes and anti-Jewish incidents.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has not only had an international impact, but it has also heightened tensions within communities, with both Jewish and Muslim groups facing threats and violent situations.