In a climate of heightened tension and uncertainty, Jewish establishments and societies in Montreal are bracing themselves, following the call for a worldwide day of protest targeting the community by an erstwhile Hamas leader.
In response to the escalating global uncertainty, the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal has issued guidelines for its staff to delay all non-essential outpatient appointments this coming Friday. The hospital’s communication to its staff also indicated that, “non-essential tasks should be deferred or completed from home, with access to indoor parking facilities being suspended for patients.”
Despite the closure of certain areas, the hospital’s operating room will carry on with its operations. The hospital seeks to assure its staff by clearly stating that there is currently no identified explicit threat against it.
The news of these precautionary measures followed Reuters’ report about the former Hamas leader, Khaled Meshaal, urging pro-Palestinian protests throughout the Muslim world to join the opposition against Israel. Given the violent clashes between Israel and Gaza, which have led to around 2,800 casualties on both sides, these calls to protest have heightened concerns.
Social media platforms have reportedly been abuzz with promotions for a pro-Palestine demonstration in downtown Montreal on Friday afternoon. Despite these developments, the Montreal police maintains that there is no information suggesting any impending threat of violent or menacing acts in Montreal.
The police are, nonetheless, implementing a “visibility plan” in vicinity to sacred spaces and other areas linked to the Israel-Hamas war. Reinforcing the fact that no significant number of complaints or incidents related to the ongoing conflict have been reported so far. SPVM Chief, Fady Dagher, reassured that the police are keeping a vigilant eye on the situation.
Adding to the breath of security measures, CIUSSS West-Central Montreal issued a statement indicating an increased security presence around its sites. The borough of Outremont, renowned for its sizeable Jewish population, also affirmed enhanced security around places of worship.
In the midst of these developments, Mayor Valerie Plante urged Montrealers to lead with peace, emphasizing collective mourning and calling for unity.
Canadian law enforcement agencies are aware of the call to action from the former Hamas leader, a figure leading an organization labelled as a terrorist entity by Canada. Following an incident at a Hebrew school in Toronto, police authorities are investigating a potential hate crime. Three male suspects were taken into custody, although no charges have been pressed yet.
The Quebec Public Safety Minister reassured that police patrols will be present to ensure demonstrations are kept law-abiding and warned against inciting hatred, recognising the right to protest but condemning any actions that contravene the Criminal Code.
