Jewish Unity Partnership

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

More than 8,000 Montrealers turned out in picture perfect spring weather to celebrate Israel’s 77th rebirth, and to show their strong support a year and a half after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack and solidarity with 59 hostages still held by the terrorist group.

The popular event began this year at Macdonald Park in Côte des Neiges-NDG, and a joyous parade of blue and white — with superb security provided by the SPVM— paraded down Dupuis to Décarie Blvd., Plamondon, Westbury and finally to Van Horne Park.

The festivities, organized by the Jewish Unity Partnership, were led by Cantor Daniel Benlolo and James Karls Entertainment.

Numerous dignitaries and notables were on hand, including Israel Consul-General Paul Hirschson in his final Montreal Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration before returning to Israel, German Consul-General Susanne Aschi-Glesius, Romanian Consul-General Tullia-Imola Balla; leaders of the Filipino community, who are longtime supporters of Israel; Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather and former Conservative candidate Neil Oberman; D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass; Côte St. Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein; Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi, former Mayor William Steinberg; Canadian Magen David Adom national president Arlène Madar-Abitan, and students from Montreal’s Jewish day schools, amongst many others.

Moments of silence were held for the over 2,000 Israelis killed since Oct.7 and for the 59 hostages still held by Hamas including the late Canadian Judi Weinstein Haggai.

The attendees also paid homage and stood in solidarity with the Filipino community after the tragedy that occurred in Vancouver with the car ramming attack against members of the Filipino community that resulted in eleven deaths and dozens injured.

Hirschson told the massive audience the sad news of the major fire which destroyed the Jewish National Fund’s Canada Park, in existence since 1975 and largely established by the Montreal Jewish community.

“We will rebuild Canada Park completely!” he said.

Hirschson also pointed out that the terrorist leaders who attacked Israel Oct. 7 and before and after, including the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, are now dead.

“Iranians have been exposed as weak! As is described in polite society, f–k around and find out!”

The Consul-General added that the remaining hostages are being “held in torture. Until they come home, this war cannot begin to end!”

Regarding Judi Weinstein Haggai, whose body remains in Gaza, “I would like to hear the Canadian government, media and society in general care a little more about her!”

Hirschson also said Jewish unity “is not just a core value, it’s fundamental to our winning, without which we’ll be in trouble.”

He also encouraged members of the community to make aliyah to Israel, “just to make me happy!

“Come home! Come be a player on the winning team of the 21st century!”

Of nearby anti-Israel protesters, he said, “they’re losers! Don’t ever be scared! They are louder than they are many! We have far more friends in Montreal, Quebec and throughout Canada than they have or ever will have! We are builders and winners!”

In a video message, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said “we cannot but be aware of the constant sacrifices [the Jewish state] demands of us, they are many!

“Since Oct. 7, 2023, we in Israel have been engaged in a fight for the safety and integrity of our society!” he added. “So many from across Israel – and communities around the world – are still on the frontlines, fighting the dark force of terror that threatens us all, and defending the very fabric of the free world!”

The Israeli president added that the country’s hearts break “each moment anew at the ongoing atrocity of our sisters and brothers buried deep underground, dead and alive, in a brutal violation of every legal, human, and ethical code. There is no question that we cannot begin to truly heal – nor can we be whole – until every last one of them is freed. At the same time, antisemitism has come charging forward in so many forms throughout the globe. It has radically challenged the basic sense of safety of communities everywhere.”

Federation CJA board chair Steve Sebag urged the crowd to look at Israel’s flag, “…this beautiful flag! A symbol of a people that refuses to disappear! The symbol of victory! Israel is strong!

“Israel is powerful, moral and it’s ours! When you try to isolate us, we get louder! When you try to shame us, we lift our heads high! Our generation knows exactly where we stand! We stand with Israel, we stand with its people, with its soldiers, with its future! Today, while rockets fall and lies spread, Israel stands stronger, smarter, braver and more beautiful than ever! Wear the flag like armour, because when you raise the flag, you raise every generation! Am Yisrael Chai!”

The event concluded with drawings for a trip to Israel and a Visa gift card for a student, and the singing of O Canada and Hatikvah. n