Massive Rally in Ottawa Demands Safe Return of Hostages Held by Hamas, Stands in Solidarity with Jewish Communities

At a rally on December 4, thousands gathered at Parliament Hill to call on the safe return of hostages held by Hamas. They also condemned recent threats and attacks on Canadian Jewish communities. Led by The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and the Jewish Federations of Canada, the event aimed to unite and rally for hostages taken by Hamas, the people of Israel, and the safety of Jewish Canadians. The event drew an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 attendees who displayed both Canadian and Israeli flags, and held signs with messaging such as “Free the hostages” and “Bring them home.”

Rising Threats Against Jewish-Canadians
The rally came weeks after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, leading to hundreds of hostages being taken, including Canadian lives lost. The conflict has resulted in continued anti-Semitism, including the firebombing of a synagogue and a Jewish community center, as well as gunshots and bomb threats at Jewish schools and institutions. Various members of Canadian parliament, including MPs from the Liberal and Conservative parties, were present at the rally. This included Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino; Liberal MPs Carolyn Bennett and Ya’ara Saks; Conservative MPs Michelle Rempel Garner and Marty Morantz; along with Independent MP Kevin Vuong.



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