In Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square, a significant rally and vigil titled "Six Months in Hell" was organized to mark half a year since Hamas' attack on Israel. The event saw a notable presence of politicians, including Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre and MP Melissa Lantsman, who addressed the crowd, condemning terrorism and expressing solidarity with Israel and Canada's Jewish community. The rally also featured pro-Israel demonstrators, including one in costume to represent the plight of raped hostages, and faced counter-protests from a small group of pro-Palestine activists chanting "Free the People Free the Land!". The situation was closely monitored by police, ensuring the event proceeded with minimal disruptions. Notably, Pierre Poilievre's speech emphasized standing against Hamas, which he described as a "homicidal, genocidal death cult." Meir Weinstein and Ron Banerjee were also seen shaking hands during the event, underscoring the deep divisions and strong opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict within Canada.
WATCH: Poilievre Continues To Show Moral Leadership As He Stands With Israel & Canada's Jewish Community. https://t.co/TYML4fRRqs
Canadian Conservative and future PM @PierrePoilievre addresses a rally 6 months on from October 7: “Stand against the homicidal, genocidal death cult that is Hamas. A death cult that must be destroyed so we can free the hostages.” I wish all Western leaders had such strident… https://t.co/a58TFwFILD
Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrators face off on opposite sides of barricade at Nathan Phillips Square. One man blows the shofar, a musical instrument used in religious rituals. 📸 Apr 7, 2024 #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/mqtJ2i5kx3
Pro-Israel demonstrators try and convince each other to ignore pro-Palestine counter protesters. They walk away as a man yells into the microphone: “You guys are known as the prophet killers!” #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/sdA6v0AV1m
“Six Months in Hell” rally organizers get photos with MP Pierre Poilievre as he is whisked away by security. #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/GuHvyJeO52
Pro-Palestine counter protester faced with two choices to avoid arrest: Stand in the designated area behind barriers OR leave Nathan Phillips Square altogether. #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/Qc2AEOEVUx
Pro-Palestine counter protester escorted by bike cops. He cuts through Nathan Phillips Square to designated area while chanting “Free the People Free the Land!” Man wearing Israeli flag cape yanks his jacket from behind. #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/qcWheruqm9
Pierre Poilievre speaks at an event marking 6 months since Hamas’ attack on Israel. He condemns terrorism and hate at home and abroad. https://t.co/TS12vJi6KW
Pro-Israel protester in costume with bloodied face and pants to represent raped hostages confronts pro-Palestine counter protesters. Her comrades try to dissuade her from engaging with the other side. #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/0FkGQCjldx
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre addresses crowd during pro-Israel rally at Nathan Phillips Square. MP Melissa Lantsman is at his side. #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/otXpleVdbn
Small group of pro-Palestine counter protesters yell from behind barricade. Meir Weinstein records the scene and provides commentary. #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/nlpLQKWEjZ
Meir Weinstein and Ron Banerjee shake hands during pro-Israel rally and vigil. #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/PvionvOUxJ
Mic check for pro-Israel rally and vigil at Nathan Phillips Square. Police are coordinating on scene. #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/o4QLjg0qAk
Organizers set up for “Six Months in Hell” rally and vigil at Nathan Phillips Square. Several politicians are expected to speak, including MP Pierre Poilievre whose merch can be spotted in the crowd. #cdnpoli #Toronto #Palestine #Israel #Gaza #ProtestMania https://t.co/h6c5SGa8Oi