Montreal opposition party moves forward with motion to cut ties with Israel
Proponents of the measure have defended the text as consistent with the city's values. Conversely, the motion has faced opposition from community leaders and advocacy groups.
The opposition party Projet Montréal in Montreal City Hall is set to propose a motion to sever ties with Israel before their council meeting on August 24. This motion, initially introduced in June by interim leader Ericka Alneus and councilors Nathalie Goulet and Alex Norris, calls for the city to acknowledge and condemn the apartheid regime in Palestine and the ongoing genocide there.
It also seeks solidarity with Palestinians and other victims of hostilities in the Middle East, urging the suspension of official ties with Israel's current government until it returns to internationally recognized borders, stops violating Palestinian rights, and ceases international law violations.
The motion was initially postponed following Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada's removal from the agenda due to political debate, but Projet Montréal plans to reintroduce the motion. Proponents argue that the text is consistent with the city's values and a necessary step following years of public calls, particularly post-October 2023 events.
They liken this action to Montreal's historical move in the 1980s, when former Mayor Jean Doré severed ties with apartheid South Africa, positioning Montreal as a pioneer for human rights. However, opponents, including community leaders and advocacy groups, argue that the motion should focus on local issues and that addressing global conflicts may divide the city and escalate tensions.
They emphasize that Montréal needs a council that prioritizes local concerns, citing recent hate incidents targeting Jewish communities across Canada.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
