Pro-Palestinian protesters vandalize Concordia University’s Institute of Israel Studies

Concordia University is seen in Montreal, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Montreal police are investigating after the Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies at Concordia University was vandalized Thursday night.

Police said they were alerted to the university in downtown Montreal after receiving a 911 call at 3:20 a.m. Friday. When officers arrived on campus, they found the building’s windows were shattered and spray painted with messages that included “genocide institute.”

The incident comes just before the major Jewish holiday of Passover this weekend.

Police told CTV News that the vandalism was committed by a few suspects at around 9 p.m. Thursday and that the incident is linked to ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made so far.

Tensions have been high on university campuses in recent days, including at McGill University, which saw more acts of vandalism during a three-day pro-Palestinian protest earlier this month. According to McGill Interim Deputy Provost Angela Campbell, dozens of classes were blocked or interrupted, a window was smashed and red paint was sprayed in an office while staff were inside.

Days later, McGill announced that it intended to cut ties with its student union.