Trudeau supports 'Israel', over thousand Canadians rally for Palestine

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Oct 2023 15:16

The Palestinian Youth Movement mobilizes across Canada, showing the world that diaspora Palestinians and pro-Palestine supporters will not remain silent in the face of occupation and aggression, reaffirming the right to Resist for Palestinians under occupation.

Pro-Palestine rally in support of Gaza in Ottawa, Canada, on October 8, 2023. (Palestinian Youth Movement)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attacked pro-Palestine demonstrations held across Canada, dubbing them a "glorification of violence" before heading over to a pro-"Israel" rally in a show of support to the Israeli occupation government.

Claiming Resistance is "terrorism", Trudeau writes, via his X account, that "The glorification of violence is never acceptable in Canada – by any group or in any situation. I strongly condemn the demonstrations that have taken place and are taking place, across the country in support of Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Let’s stand united against acts of terror."

The glorification of violence is never acceptable in Canada – by any group or in any situation. I strongly condemn the demonstrations that have taken place, and are taking place, across the country in support of Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Let’s stand united against acts of terror.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 9, 2023

“Hamas terrorists aren’t a resistance, they’re not freedom fighters. They are terrorists, and no one in Canada should be supporting them, much less celebrating them,” the Prime Minister said as he condemned the attack at a vigil in Ottawa in the crowded Soloway Jewish Community Centre earlier on Monday evening.

Making no reference to the massacre of Gaza, the history of Israeli occupation dating back to 1948, nor the beginning of the era of the siege of Gaza, Trudeau sent a message to "Israel" in a recently published statement claiming, without the consent of a large number of pro-Palestine supporters, that "Canadians stand with you," adding "And our government stands ready to support you. Our support for Israel is steadfast."

Thousands march up Bay Street in downtown Toronto in solidarity with Palestine 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/6uXNdX2shY
— Camila (@camilapress) October 9, 2023

Trudeau further alleged that "Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ barbaric, brutal terror attacks – and reaffirms its support for Israel’s right to defend itself. We also call for the immediate release of those being held hostage, and we demand that they be treated in accordance with international law."

The Canadian even chose to "honor those whose lives have been cut short by Hamas’ terror attacks against Israel," and announced that Ottawa will be "lighting the Peace Tower in blue and white – and we’ve lowered the flags on the Peace Tower, at the Prime Minister’s Office, and across Parliament Hill. Canada stands with Israel."

In light of the recent events in Israel, the #PeaceTower is illuminated in the colours of the Israeli flag, and the National Flag of Canada is flying at half-mast from now until sunset tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ebfz8pLhdZ
— Speaker of the HoC (@HoCSpeaker) October 9, 2023

This came days after the Prime Minister invited Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old ex-volunteer affiliated with the 14th Waffen SS Grenadier Division, a Nazi military unit that was deemed a criminal organization during the 1946 Nuremberg trials, to Parliament where he received a standing ovation.

For the past three days, Canada and the US have witnessed rallies organized by various groups across the country, including Toronto, where some 1,000 protesters rallied in a rally organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement.

OTTAWA ALL OUT FOR PALESTINE 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

220 Elgin St
Ottawa
2 PM, October 8 pic.twitter.com/K7DGsYl5z8
— Palestinian Youth Movement (@palyouthmvmt) October 7, 2023

The protests included statements and chants that reaffirmed their commitment to the Palestinian cause without any condition in the face of zionist attempts to criminalize Resistance and commit a possible second Nakba in Gaza.

PYM also stressed on Palestinian people's right to Resistance and self-determination, highlighting their "Solidarity with people in Palestine who’ve resisted zionist occupation for 75 years and the people of Gaza, under 16 years of violent blockade "

From today’s Toronto rally: Solidarity with people in Palestine who’ve resisted zionist occupation for 75 years and the people of Gaza, under 16 years of violent blockade. @ysxsh pic.twitter.com/zjvKB5e1jB
— Camila (@camilapress) October 10, 2023