Concordia closes downtown campus after 2 arrests following pro-Palestine, pro-Israel demonstrations

Thousands of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators gathered across Montreal Tuesday, prompting Concordia University to cancel classes.

Concordia University has closed its downtown Montreal campus, cancelling classes and labs on Tuesday, amid protests near the school on Tuesday and after a small group of protesters disrupted classes and a midterm exam on Monday.

Thousands gathered at 12 p.m. outside the university’s Hall building, both in support of Palestinian people and Israel.

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“Today, we are gathering to protest the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Students across campuses in Montreal passed a strike motion against the complicities of our universities, demanding divestment,” said Iman Nour, a student at McGill University who represents Students for Palestine’s Honour and Resistance.

“It’s a show of solidarity with the people of Gaza and the ongoing genocide, and demanding divestment once again.”

At the same time, a woman named Natalie, who calls herself a “community volunteer,” tells CTV News she was upset with the timing of the protest.

“Concordia shut down because they determined it wasn’t safe for students to be on campus because it’s Oct. 7,” she said.

“It commemorates the two-year anniversary of the largest slaughter and attack against Jewish people since the Holocaust. So, for some reason, there’s a group of people who see that as a time to celebrate, as a time to protest and destroy property. So, they’ve staged all of these protests on this day ... So, we’re here to stand up for the values of Quebec being equality, democracy, [secularism] and diversity.”

‘Threat of extreme disruption’

In closing the downtown campus, Concordia’s President and Vice-Chancellor Graham Carr says the university “took this exceptional measure to protect our entire community.”

“The threat of extreme disruption is simply too high to operate as usual,” Carr said. “Acts of intimidation and violence have no place in our society, and particularly not in institutions that centre around teaching and learning.”

He continues, “I am sure the vast majority of you are fed up with the behaviour and disrespect some exhibit toward the university,” emphasizing that “the safety of our community is paramount.”

There are no planned class cancellations at the Loyola Campus.

“In the last two years, we have seen protests on campus, but have never been forced to enact such preventive measures.”

Carr says “that changed yesterday [Monday] after two individuals were arrested.”

“One of those arrested was later discovered to be in possession of a metal bar and several incendiary devices,” he said. “Neither of these individuals are members of the Concordia community.”

Montreal police (SPVM) would not confirm Concordia’s claims of the presence of a metal bar or incendiary devices.

However, the force noted that two people were arrested on campus after classes were interrupted.

“One person was arrested for starting a fire alarm, so [a potential charge of] mischief,” said Raphaël Bergeron, a spokesperson with Montreal police. “Another person was arrested for assault.”

Thousands sign petition

Groups representing more than 80,000 students from 62 post-secondary schools in Montreal signed a petition to walk out of class on Monday and Tuesday in support of the pro-Palestinian movement.

“In terms of scale, we’re talking about one of the biggest student strikes since the start of the pandemic,” said Benoit Allard, a spokesperson with the Divest for Palestine Collective (D4P).

“The number and diversity of students participating in the strike movement shows the clear and determined support of the youth for the rights of the Palestinian people and their liberation,” said Fanny Harnois with the group. ”We can no longer stand without taking action."

The Association des étudiantes et étudiants de la Faculté des sciences de l’éducation de l’UQAM (ADEESE) points out that the student movement is in response to a call by the Disinvest in Palestine (D4P) collective and the Convergence of Anti-Capitalist Struggles (CLAC).

Concordia student Anastasia Zorchinsky says she was upset that classes were cancelled on Tuesday and accused the university of “enabling this hatred on our campus.”

“I have to go to class with security sometimes. It’s really unsafe … and it’s not just for Jewish students, it’s for all students because all students are really impacted by this violence," she said.

Police reported Tuesday afternoon that there were no major incidents or arrests in relation to the protests.

As the Jewish community marks the two-year anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Montreal MP Anthony Housefather paid tribute to a Montrealer who was killed in the massacre.

He praised Alex Look’s actions that day when he guarded a shelter door to protect others who were attending the Nova music festival when they were under attack.

“He died a hero, saving the lives of others,” Housefather said in a speech in the House of Commons.

He added, “Let’s pray for those murdered and their families, for the immediate release of the hostages, and for a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace.”

A group of protesters also marched to McGill University’s downtown campus, where a heavy police presence was observed.

Montreal police later confirmed that an Israeli flag was burned.

Students also set off smoke bombs and chanted their support for Gaza.

They demanded their colleges and universities divest from companies tied to Israel’s military, and accused the schools of being complicit in what they called a genocide.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators also gathered at Montreal’s Victoria Square at 4 p.m.

By 7 p.m., another protest was underway at Place des Arts in downtown Montreal, where 800 people, many wearing masks, assembled and later began to march as police followed.

With files from the Canadian Press.