Achi news desk-
There is a heavy police presence at McGill University ahead of two expected demonstrations on Thursday.
The school also asked people not to use the main entrance to its downtown campus through the Roddick Gates on Sherbrooke Street.
“Police have told McGill security that the SPVM has received information about a protest on the way to our downtown campus,” an internal note from the university said. “The police mobilized officers and spoke with officials at the camp and at the protest.”
It comes as Jewish groups say they plan to launch a counter-demonstration to the pro-Palestinian encampment at 12:30 p.m. near the Roddick gates.
A poster shared on social media called on people to “demand that McGill University enforce its policies and stand against anti-Semitism on campus. Never again now.”
A counter-protest is also scheduled to take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Roddick gates by groups supporting the pro-Palestinian camp.
The pro-Palestinian encampment has been on McGill’s lower lot since the end of last week, demanding that the university get rid of funds they claim are linked to Israel.
“We are a peaceful encampment and we will remain so,” said Ali Salman, the encampment’s representative. “When there is an act of provocation, and this is clear, the counter-demonstrations that took place were clearly an act of provocation or incitement… We have behind us the community that is ready to support us, to defend us. We will remain peaceful and stick to our message, which is cancellation.”
The group says they also want the school to sever academic ties with Israeli institutions and condemn Israel’s assault on Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attack.
The Israeli attack led to more than 34,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the local health ministry.
The encampment in Montreal is one of a wave of similar demonstrations across university campuses in the United States related to the Israel-Hamas war.
