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The Honourable Valerie Plante

Mayor of Montreal

It has come to our attention that the recent conflict regarding Israel and Palestine has spilled over into Canada as well as the rest of the world.

During a protest held in Montreal on May 29, 2021, hundreds of pro Palestine protesters gathered in Montreal to protest what they described as apartheid and oppression.

The protest did not stop at that. A song was played over the PA system with extremely concerning words, some are as follows:

“Walk tall in Al-Aqsa [Mosque], walk tall

Roar in the face of the [Jewish] settler

If he [Jewish settler] thinks about walking leisurely into the yards [of Al-Aqsa Mosque]

Surprise him with the sharp sword

Strike [him], strike [him], strike [him], strike [him]

Do not allow him to approach the Al-Aqsa [Mosque]”

The song was composed by Al-Wafa’ band, a Gaza-based group composed of operatives of Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, a group that is designated by Canada as a terrorist entity.

Please see reference here:

Song played at Montreal protest: “Surprise him [Jew] with sharp sword, strike [him]”

We believe lyrics like the ones quoted above, written with definitive connections to Hamas is not only detrimental to peace and harmony in Canada, but also promotes a designated terrorist organization via its music. It can also be seen as incitement to violence against the Jewish community in Canada.

We strongly request that an investigation into the organizers and their activities be carried out. For subsequent protests, we ask that firm boundaries are put in place. If the boundaries are crossed, appropriate action should be taken by law enforcement.

Fighting hate in all areas of Canadian life is imperative.

Sincerely,

Fighting Hate In Canada