Posted at 9:11 p.m.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
At a community building on Avenue du Parc in the Mile End neighborhood, the Montreal branch of Independent Jewish Voices organized a “Sabbath in Solidarity with Gaza” on Friday.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Dozens of people, including many young families, attended the prayer and blessing of the bread and wine ceremonies.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
“This is not an event organized in response to this week’s events in Montreal, but rather in response to the violence we are witnessing 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. “There were probably twice as many people there as I expected tonight. It warms my heart! »
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
“This is not about Jews versus Arabs or Palestinians. “There are many Jews who are for a ceasefire and against Israeli apartheid in Palestine,” said Corey Balsam, who came with his family. The same applies to Nicolas Kosoy, who is there with his family. “It was important for us as Jews to be here because we are against genocide. As a people who have suffered one genocide after another… it is important for us to recognize that this is exactly what is happening. »
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
Protesters used megaphones to demand 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 in Mr. Trudeau. He must demand a ceasefire. That’s enough. But yesterday it was enough, and a month ago it was enough too. »
With Lila Dussault, La Presse