Montreal's Divided Celebration: Israel Independence Day Rally & Protest

0:00It's April 22nd. This is Canada News Today. Local news powered by AI. Thousands gathered at place to Canada in Montreal for an Israel Independence Day rally, marking Yom, Ha-Atsamount with kids from Jewish schools dancing. Israeli flags waving high and a DJ pumping music across city blocks. Local politicians joined in, turning it into a big community vibe. The holiday celebrates Israel's declaration of independence on May 14, 1948, and this year it fell on April 21st, too, 22nd due to the Jewish lunar calendar. You also spotted pre-revolution Iranian flags in the crowd, with some from that diaspora showing solidarity amid tensions. Across Dorchester Square, over 100 pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in opposition, holding signs and flags while calling out the celebration, amid ongoing violence in Gaza. They felt it was tone-deaf to party while lives were at stake. Thousands like Kota's Nygis Inter mayor, Sunny Morose, Quebec Liberal M&A, Elizabeth

1:03Pras, and Kota's Luke Mayor David Torjerman spoke up, highlighting strong Jewish communities in their areas and pride in supporting Israel, Pras' stress unity against rising anti-Semitism. Events like this show Montreal's diverse pulse, where joy and protest collide right next door, keeping the conversation alive on global ties close to, home.