In Ottawa, where over a hundred Jews and allies occupied the Confederation building on Parliament Hill this morning, calling for a full and immediate arms embargo against Israel. Lead by the Jews Say No To Genocide coalition, which includes IJV-Toronto & York Region, protestors took over the building’s entrance to demand that Canada stop arming Israel. In song, prayer, and speeches, we called for our politicians to take action now, and end Canada’s arming of Israeli genocide in Gaza.
Independent Jewish Voices members were on site, occupying the building, live-streaming the protest, leading songs, and supporting from outside. I personally witnessed the incredible strength of our community today, and the unwavering commitment to our core value of justice. My ears are still ringing with the chants of “Free, free Palestine,” and a hundred voices singing out, “Ceasefire, arms embargo now!” together in choral harmony.
Today, we showed that there can be no more business as usual during a genocide, and that if our politicians will not listen to us, we will make sure they can’t ignore us.
(via Iso Setel IJV. communications@ijvcanada.org>)
At least 14 people were arrested while peacefully protesting inside the Confederation building, and demonstrators remained outside until those arrested were released. Photo credit @adriennersphoto.
Photo credit @adriennersphoto.