Montreal-born MK Illouz: The Montreal I knew is gone, the warning signs are everywhere

Montreal-born Israeli lawmaker Dan Illouz expressed profound distress over recent events in his childhood city, stating, "The Montreal I knew was a magnificent mosaic of genuine coexistence." He lamented that the "enduring quiet and the profound sense of security that defined my youth have been shattered" by recent gunfire in the heart of the Jewish community.

“

The Montreal I knew was a magnificent mosaic of genuine coexistence.

Illouz noted that the community's immediate assumption of an antisemitic motive, even if not officially confirmed, is a "damning indictment of the current civic climate in Canada." He argued that violence directed at Jews has shifted from an "unthinkable anomaly to a logical expectation."

“

The enduring quiet and the profound sense of security that defined my youth have been shattered.

The lawmaker attributed this pervasive hostility to "violent and unbridled pro-Palestinian incitement" that has been allowed to fester, often under the guise of free speech. He criticized radical elements for hijacking university campuses and public squares, cultivating an environment of "profound intimidation."

“

It is a damning indictment of the current civic climate in Canada, one where violence directed at Jews has shifted from an unthinkable anomaly to a logical expectation.

"This relentless extremism is steadily cheapening Jewish life on Canadian soil," Illouz stated, warning that when authorities permit protests glorifying terrorism, the inevitable conclusion is "live fire directed at Jewish neighborhoods." He called on the Canadian government to abandon "dangerous complacency" and dismantle "infrastructures of hatred," asserting that "concrete, uncompromising action is required."

“

For months, violent and unbridled pro-Palestinian incitement has been allowed to fester, often shielded by the noble concept of free speech.