PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
In a community building on Avenue du Parc, in the Mile End district, the Montreal branch of Independent Jewish Voices organized a “Shabbat in solidarity with Gaza” on Friday.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Dozens of people, including many young families, participated in the prayer and blessing of bread and wine ceremonies.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
“This is not an event organized in reaction to what happened this week in Montreal, it is really organized in response to the violence we see in Gaza. We wanted to unite our voices to show our solidarity with the Palestinian people. I think people understand that not all Jews support Israeli aggression,” said Aaron Lakoff, one of the organizers of Independent Jewish Voices. “Tonight, there were probably double the number of people I expected who came. It warms my heart ! »
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
“This is not a question of Jews versus Arabs or Palestinians. There are plenty of Jews in favor of a ceasefire and against Israeli apartheid in Palestine,” said Corey Balsam, who came with his family. Same story for Nicolas Kosoy, on site with his family. “It was important for us to be here, as Jews, because we are opposed to genocide. As a people who have suffered genocide after genocide after genocide… It’s important for us to realize that this is what is happening right now. »
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Meanwhile, in downtown Montreal, several dozen people met at Dorchester Square. The demonstration then moved to rue Sainte-Catherine.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Through megaphones, demonstrators demanded an immediate ceasefire and a boycott against Israel.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Annie Labelle was there with her three young children. “We have family in Gaza,” she explained. “We are very disappointed with Mr. Trudeau. He must demand a ceasefire. That’s enough. But it was enough yesterday, and it was enough a month ago too. »
With Lila Dussault, The Press