A protest by the group Montreal for Palestine at a festive Christmas market in downtown Montreal has ignited debate, coinciding with a tragic antisemitic terrorist attack on the other side of the world.
Protest Disrupts Holiday Cheer at Place des Arts
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, members of Montreal for Palestine gathered outside the Christmas market located at Place des Arts. The market was filled with families shopping, eating, and enjoying the seasonal atmosphere. The group, known for its weekly demonstrations and street prayers outside Notre-Dame Basilica, used a megaphone to address the crowd.
A video posted on Instagram by KiNana Alkhoury captured the scene. A protester began by apologizing for the interruption and wishing attendees happy holidays. However, the message quickly shifted. The speaker stated, "I wanna remind you all... that the land of Jesus, where Jesus was born has been under attack by the Zionist entity." Supporters holding a banner reading "Resistance until Liberation" echoed cries of "Shame!"
The protester further claimed that "Jesus is Palestinian" and would be living under occupation in Bethlehem today. This rhetoric was interpreted by critics as an attempt to deny the Jewish and Christian heritage of Jesus and to turn Christian market-goers against Israel.
A Day of Global Tension and Tragedy
The Montreal protest occurred on the same day the world learned of a horrific mass shooting in Australia. Early reports detailed an attack targeting a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach. Two assailants, a father and son, opened fire, killing 15 people and injuring approximately 40. The victims, whose ages ranged from 10 to 87, included two rabbis, a 10-year-old girl, and a Holocaust survivor.
This context amplified the sensitivity surrounding the Montreal demonstration. Critics, including author Terry Newman, argued the protest represented an escalation in behavior, testing civic laws, police resources, and public patience. The act of targeting a family-oriented holiday event was seen as a deliberate move to intimidate and spread a message of hate.
Escalating Actions and Community Response
The incident at the Christmas market is viewed by some observers as part of a concerning pattern. The group's persistent activities, now moving into spaces of communal and cultural celebration, are seen as pushing boundaries. The choice of venue and timing—a Sunday during the holiday season—has raised questions about the protesters' tactics and objectives.
The event has sparked conversations about the limits of protest, the protection of public spaces for cultural enjoyment, and the rising tensions in communities far removed from the core conflict. For many Montrealers, the juxtaposition of a local holiday disruption with international tragedy underscored a deeply divisive and painful global moment.
