Montreal council passes amended Middle East motion after cutting call to break Israel ties

Montreal city council has adopted an amended motion concerning the Middle East conflict, passing the final text by a decisive 54-6 vote. The initial proposal, introduced by the opposition party Projet Montréal, had called for the city to sever institutional ties with Israel and accused the state of apartheid and genocide. This original text sparked intense debate and division within the council chamber.

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We have a duty to humanity. Today, voices are rising around the world. Our voices must rise as well.

Proponents of the initial motion argued that local governments have a moral obligation to take public stances on international human rights issues. Councilor Nathalie Goulet cited historical precedents, stating, "We have a duty to humanity. Today, voices are rising around the world. Our voices must rise as well." Alex Norris, another Projet Montréal Councilor, emphasized consistency, arguing, "If we condemn crimes against humanity when Russia commits them, we must condemn them when Israel commits them too."

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If we condemn crimes against humanity when Russia commits them, we must condemn them when Israel commits them too.

However, members of the administration and opponents of the original framework contended that global geopolitics are outside municipal jurisdiction and could inflame community tensions. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada stressed that municipal leaders should focus on city governance, services, and community cohesion, rather than controversial foreign policy positions. Ericka Alneus, Official Opposition Leader, expressed disappointment with the administration's changes, stating the modifications "significantly diluted our intention."

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municipal governments are elected to run the city, keep residents safe, deliver services and bring people together, not to inflame tensions by taking a controversial position on a distant geopolitical conflict.

The adopted version removed the demands to sever ties and issue direct accusations. Instead, it expresses "solidarity with the Palestinian people as well as all civilian victims of hostilities," calls for respect for international law, and supports any judicial process examining possible violations in the Gaza Strip. The vote followed months of public mobilization and rising tensions in Montreal, with organizations like the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs having previously voiced concerns about municipal debates exacerbating local divisions.

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I will not hide my disappointment at the major modifications imposed by the administration, which significantly diluted our intention.