In a press statement, the Canada Palestine Association in Canada revealed that in recent months, the country has witnessed a surge in anti-Palestinian repression, with concerns raised about politicians and municipal police forces displaying racist behavior. Major cities across the country, from Vancouver to Ottawa, Calgary, and Toronto, have reported increased instances of "police harassment of pro-Palestine events."

Activists confronted repressive practices, and vowed to continue their struggle in the face of "Israel's genocide." Meanwhile, at the University of British Columbia (UBC), controversy brews as Israeli occupation soldiers "who have been part of the daily murder of Palestinians" offer their "insights from the ground" during events on campus.

According to the press release the Vancouver city council which was elected in 2022 also came under scrutiny for being "blatantly pro-Israel" and adopting the controversial IHRA definition, which redefines anti-Semitism as criticism of "Israel", including anti-Zionism, as one of their first orders of business. This support from the council was followed by increased police hostility at Palestinian solidarity events.

People vs. Police: a repressive practice

Pro-Palestine protests in Vancouver, post-October 7, 2023, witnessed a significant police presence, including the deployment of canine units, read the statement before adding that some activists described these rallies as among the most heavily policed in Vancouver's history, leading to several arrests, including that of a minor.

The release detailed that by October 9, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim had publicly expressed his support for "Israel" while smearing Palestinian supporters as "terrorists". Moreover, it was noted that Sim even called for an investigation into "anti-Israel rallies". The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) activated its "Operations Centre." It even integrated "specialized resources and a senior command structure" despite having reiterated, time and time again, that there was "no specific threat identified."

The VPD, according to the press release, "doubled down on its anti-Palestinian racism" in a new statement, published on January 16, which alleged: "Tensions from the Israel-Hamas war have fueled increases in protest activity and hate crimes in Vancouver, resulting in rising anti-Semitism and more than $2.5 million in overtime costs to the Vancouver Police Department since October 7 alone."

According to the Canada Palestine Association, it is significant to note "the dominant Zionist and Western narrative" which categorized the "Israeli genocide" as the "Israel-Hamas war", and then "seamlessly and erroneously transitioning into how this has fueled 'hate crimes' and 'anti-Semitism'."

The press release also revealed that similar anti-Palestinian repression has been reported in Ottawa and Toronto, including fines for using megaphones, bans on specific protests, and charges of "public incitement of hatred." In Calgary, on the other hand, it went so far that an activist initially faced a "hate motivation" charge said the Association.

Strengths in numbers

The "Zionist lobby" and its "friends and backers" are genuinely "astounded" by the "massive support" for Palestine and its "longevity," noted the Association. Moreover, it was emphasized that the lobby has been incapable of comprehending how "diverse communities," including "indigenous sisters and brothers," are uniting across various activities to advocate for an "end to the genocide" and a "Free Palestine."

Some have gone to the extent of suggesting that pro-Palestine protestors are being "paid" to participate, following an offer of funds from a local Victoria BC collective for rally expenses, said the press release which highlighted that the lobby even quoted a municipal councilor questioning the involvement of "offshore money."

The press release also explained that the dominance of the "Zionist narrative" in Canada has been long-standing, with the assumption that their actions are justifiable and those who dissent are often labeled as "anti-Semitic." However, the Association added, things are changing, and there is no return to the old "status quo".

The Canada Palestine Association concluded by stating that "Israel and its imperial backers, the US, and other Western countries, should realize there is a new world dawning, and there is no place in it for such brutal and regressive states."

Read more: Canada dismisses South Africa's genocide case against 'Israel' at ICJ