As violence in Gaza continues, Israeli supporters in Canada mobilize with more pro-Palestinian protests

In the midst of continuing violence between Israeli forces and Palestinians in Gaza, a prominent Canadian Jewish advocacy organization held a virtual event in solidarity with Israel on Sunday, and pro-Palestinian protests continued in Canadian cities.

"Even the extraordinary Iron Dome defense system cannot shield Israeli people — young and old, Jew and Arab from the trauma of an endless bombardment of warnings and missiles," Andrea Freedman said at the start of the pro-Israel virtual event hosted by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).

"Jewish Canadians want peace," said Freedman, president, and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. "We are really worried that antisemitic activity is taking root here in Canada."

The rally, which featured prayers from students and Holocaust survivors as well as remarks from Ohad Kaynar, the deputy head of mission at Israel's embassy in Canada, drew nearly 1,000 people, according to CIJA.

The virtual event took place during a weekend marked by pro-Palestinian protests across the country, with especially large crowds in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver on Saturday.

"People are exhausted. Justice is something that people want to see. People want the Canadian government to support Palestinians in their struggle for justice "Nafi Alibert of Radio-Canada spoke with Shahed Helmy, a Canadian-Palestinian student at the University of Ottawa who helped with Saturday's demonstration in Ottawa.

According to Palestinian medics, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City on Sunday leveled three buildings and killed at least 42 civilians, making it the deadliest single attack in the recent round of violence.

Hamas also persisted, firing missiles from Gaza's civilian areas into Israel's civilian areas. According to Israeli emergency services, one crashed into a synagogue in the southern city of Ashkelon hours before evening services for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot; no injuries were confirmed.

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