Neil Oberman

RCMP to send Oberman Israel-Gaza probe documents

Local Journalism Initiative / / / ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Spiegel Ryan senior partner Neil Oberman has confirmed to The Suburban that the RCMP will soon be sending him documents related to the national police agency’s probe into possible war crimes by “those with a nexus to Canada” during the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

The probe stirred much controversy after initial reports that the RCMP was “criminally” investigating only Israeli Defence Forces soldiers who also are Canadian citizens and not Canadian citizens who went to fight or help in Gaza. Those reports were inaccurate.

The RCMP issued a clarification, saying the probe is “structural” in nature, and not criminal, and involves both sides of the conflict. The national police agency has not said what prompted the probe or any of its findings. Some Jewish community groups remained skeptical.

As recently reported by The Suburban, in light of the RCMP investigation, Oberman, the former Mount Royal Conservative candidate, sent a letter to the federal government’s Access to Information and Privacy Branch and RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme asking for assistance in preparing and submitting an Access To Information request to “obtain all non-privileged records (emails, communications) related to the RCMP’s decision to launch a structural investigation into alleged war crimes connected to the Israel–Hamas conflict in Gaza,” such as memos, briefing notes, meeting minutes and presentation slides” as well as “internal analyses regarding RCMP jurisdiction and authority in investigating war crimes abroad, and ministerial instructions or orders to the RCMP concerning the investigation.”

Asked for an update, the lawyer told The Suburban that the RCMP “has confirmed that they will be furnishing some of the documents we requested, which marks a significant step forward for our investigation.

“Upon receipt of these documents, I will undertake a meticulous assessment to ascertain their implications and how they might influence the trajectory of our investigation.”

Oberman added that “transparency is paramount in matters of such gravity, and I fully recognize the public’s right to remain informed.

“Rest assured, I am committed to ensuring that all relevant information is disseminated appropriately and in a timely manner. I am dedicated to keeping (The Suburban) abreast of any new developments as they unfold.” n

RCMP to send Oberman Israel-Gaza probe documents Read More »

Drabkin,Oberman see hope in West End political horizon

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By:Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

After a troubling first week of the new federal Liberal government with ministers angering many Canadians on the issues of housing, pipelines, the budget and the Gaza-Israel war, The Suburban heard from the two Conservative Neils of the past campaign who ran strong campaigns. They both reflected hope and optimism.

Neil Drabkin ran in NDG-Westmount and Neil Oberman ran in Mount Royal, both achieving impressive numbers against incumbents Anna Gainey and Anthony Housefather respectively.

“The strong numbers indicate that Montrealers are starting to come around,” Drabkin said. “Although we haven’t won a seat on the island of Montreal in 37 years, voters seeking change came out for us in large numbers this time due to the strong leadership of Pierre Poilievre. That bodes well for the future and our ability to make inroads in Montreal after all these years,” added Drabkin, who has had a long and rich history with the Conservative Party. A lawyer and former federal prosecutor Drabkin is well known to the community not only as a political commentator on CJAD 800, but also as someone who has served at the highest levels of government in the Brian Mulroney and Stephen Harper administrations including as Chief of Staff to Stockwell Day.

Barbara Kay, in the National Post, called Drabkin a “proven political commodity.” Rabbi Reuben Poupko of Côte St. Luc’s Beth Israel Beth Aaron Synagogue has said, “Our community is extremely proud of the contribution that Neil has made and to the extent to which he has always been there to assist.” Despite accepting to run at the request of the Party in what is considered to be one of the safest Liberal strongholds in the country, Drabkin tripled the Conservative vote to over 10,000 or some 20%, the highest in decades.

Oberman engaged in one of the most formidable campaigns in many years in Mount Royal, which has been a Liberal stronghold since 1940. The candidate, best known for protecting some 47 Jewish institutions with the injunctions he won against anti-Israel protesters, sought debates with Housefather and campaigned vigorously throughout the riding, which includes Côte St. Luc, Hampstead and Montreal West, gaining a historic 40% of the vote

Oberman says that his commitment “remains unwavering.Sometimes setbacks are tuition in the school of leadership,” he added. “I will persist in collaborating with all constituents, which includes approximately 41 percent of our riding who are actively seeking change. This desire for transformation is palpable and significant. Change is indeed on the horizon — however, it often comes with challenges and requires perseverance.”

Oberman added, “Simply put. The current liberal government is doing exactly what it promised. Nothing. So to all Canadians who voted for the liberals you got what you asked for. Now the question is will Canadians take back their country and stand up for change. Hopefully this government will be dispatched from Ottawa sooner than later. As for the young people I encourage you to keep advocating for your future just don’t expect the liberal baby boomers to help you. What can we do as Conservatives? Show Canadians that change is possible when we stop following old ways that yield no positive result. Your vote your voice your choice brings change.” n

Drabkin,Oberman see hope in West End political horizon Read More »

Cotler home split in Mount Royal election

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

As those who follow politics know, it’s not unusual for close family members to differ on who they support in elections, but that is usually expressed within the confines of a home or perhaps amongst close friends and relatives.

The most famous case of a very public family split, and a good-natured one, has been between James Carville, the folksy and sometimes wild campaign strategist for former President Bill Clinton; and his wife Mary Matalin, who served under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and his son George W. Bush. They’ve appeared on TV together over the years to express their differing opinions.

The Mount Royal riding has its own prominent husband and wife who are voting different ways, and are expressing their choices publicly.

Former federal Justice Minister and former Mount Royal MP Irwin Cotler has been quoted as supporting his successor, Anthony Housefather, for re-election. Housefather posted the quote and a picture of himself and Cotler on April 6.

The Irwin Cotler quote says, “Anthony Housefather has been an exemplary Member of Parliament. His business and legal career, as well as his time as a councillor and Mayor, prepared him to truly deliver for his constituents. He fights for the communities he represents and does so with commitment and integrity. It is my pleasure to work closely with him and to endorse his reelection.”

(Notably, Cotler made another personal – not party – endorsement of Bloc Québécois Lac Saint-Jean MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, saying he “has been an outstanding member of Parliament, a leading voice for the struggle for human rights domestically and internationally, and one who works across party lines in search of the common good. His candidacy warrants support regardless of party affiliation.”)

But on April 8, Conservative Mount Royal candidate Neil Oberman posted a video on Instagram featuring himself and Cotler’s wife Ariela, on her lawn, both holding an Oberman poster.

“So happy to be here on this snowy April day, on my lawn, and with you,” Ariela says.

“Today everybody, your voice, your choice, will be heard for Neil Oberman and Ariela Cotler,” Oberman says. “I want you to come out on April 28, I want to make sure we take our voice back, that we’re safe, secure and prosperous, because there are no more choices. Do not stay at home, come out and we will have a better country and a better community.”

Ariela then says, “I add my words and I urge you, come out and vote, it’s the future of our families, our children, our grandchildren, and about all of Canada.”

Oberman then says, “I guess it’s going to be voting for Neil Oberman, and voting for the Conservative Party!”

Ariela adds, “Of course it is! Vote, of course, for Neil Oberman and the Conservative Party, and I wish you luck!”

“Thank you,” Oberman replies.

On April 9, Oberman posted a picture of himself shaking hands with Irwin Cotler, posting, “thank you Irwin Cotler for taking the time to share your wisdom and guidance on humanitarian issues that do and should matter and to your dear wife Ariela for joining our Canada First Conservative voices for change.”

The political differences, since this story first appeared April 9, became national news. Irwin Cotler, in terms of his and his wife’s voting choices, says he lives in a “pluralistic household.” n

Cotler home split in Mount Royal election Read More »

Election 2025: Mount Royal

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The Mount Royal riding has elected Liberals since 1940, but some elections in recent years have seen fairly close results, particularly as Côte St. Luc and Hampstead voters came out strongly for the Conservatives, because of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s strong support of Israel.The riding encompasses Côte St. Luc, Hampstead, part of Côte des Neiges and the Town of Mount Royal. The Liberal vote has been stronger in the latter two areas. In the 2021 election, the Liberals won Mount Royal with 57.71 percent of the vote.

Liberals

Anthony Housefather has been the Liberal MP for Mount Royal since 2015. Before that, he was Mayor of Côte St. Luc, a CSL councillor during the merger era from 2002 to 2006 and a Hampstead councillor in the 1990s. Housefather considered leaving the Liberals after his party voted for what many considered an anti-Israel motion, but ultimately stayed with the party. He was also the only MP to vote against Bill C-13, the revision of the Official Languages Act that by reference recognizes Quebec’s language law and gives it application over federal areas of jurisdiction, for which he was briefly demoted. Last year, Housefather was appointed the Special Advisor on Jewish Community Relations to former Prime Minister Trudeau.

Conservatives

Neil Oberman, a lawyer with Spiegel Ryan, is a partner in the firm’s civil and commercial litigation group and his practice is focused on commercial and civil disputes. Oberman is best known for successfully obtaining numerous injunctions to keep anti-Israel and antisemitic protesters well away from Jewish institutions. This followed a blockade of Federation CJA by protesters in 2024 and his work resulted in over 45 Jewish institutions being protected. Oberman has also successfully taken up the cases of Jewish students encountering harassment and antisemitism at Concordia and McGill.

NDP

Adam Frank was born in Canada, educated in Britain and France, and was a volunteer at an orphanage in Kenya. He has been a teacher of history, music, English and French at international schools in several different countries. “It was always my dream to become actively involved in politics once I returned to my native land,” he says.

Bloc Québécois

A Mount Royal candidate has not been named yet as of press time..

Green Party

Jacqueline Chamberland is the party’s candidate for Mount Royal.

People’s Party of Canada

Daniel Gervais was born in 1984 in Laval and is now a Town of Mount Royal resident. Gervais studied economics, business, and political science, and left university to help grow a family and friend-run private company, which was later successfully acquired. Gervais also co-founded a Canadian pet care company and, in China, managed operations and quality control for a prominent dog waste bag brand before returning to Montreal. Locally, Gervais serves on the EMSB parent committee and the Dunrae Gardens Elementary School governing board. n

Election 2025: Mount Royal Read More »

Rotrand’s United Against Hate calls for Montreal ‘bubble law’

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The United Against Hate organization is calling on Montreal mayoral candidates and demerged island municipalities to commit to passing “bubble legislation,” to create a safe zone around local institutions.

For many months, lawyer Neil Oberman has been successfully obtaining injunctions to protect Jewish institutions, by keeping anti-Israel protesters a far distance away from the buildings involved.

Inspired by and built on Oberman’s injunctions, Côte St. Luc and Hampstead councils passed bylaws in April 2024 designating where protests can take place — Hampstead’s says 100 metres from institutions, CSL’s says 50 metres.

In Westmount, as reported by The Suburban, Mayor Christina Smith late last year asked Quebec Public Security Minister François Bonnardel to intervene to quash anti-Israel protests that have occurred weekly “blocking residential streets, causing noise, letting off smoke bombs and not allowing entry nor exit for residents in their own homes.”

United Against Hate Director General Marvin Rotrand told The Suburban that his organization’s call for a bubble law “was one of our 18 recommendations to the Quebec regional meeting of the National Forum to Combat Antisemitism.”

The United Against Hate recommendations related to bubble legislation were that “mayoralty candidates be asked to commit to the adoption by the City of Montreal of such a bylaw to protect vulnerable institutions and faith-based schools.

“We also urge [demerged] municipalities within the agglomeration to adopt similar bylaws for their territory.”

Rotrand added that last week, “our board approved a national campaign to urge municipalities to adopt such bylaws. We will be providing information on the Vaughan and Brampton bylaw as as well as the Toronto motion which should lead to a motion by May.”

A letter from Rotrand to Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek points out that “protesters chanting hateful slogans have on numerous occasions [across Canada] blocked access and egress to such institutions with the aim of disrupting worship, social activities and teaching.

“Most frequently targeted have been synagogues and Jewish private schools, but there have also been many cases of protesters at Sikh gurdwaras and Hindu temples. There have been some arrests, but police response has been tentative, despite many cases of overt hate that likely contravened the Criminal Code. The rules governing protests are, for many police departments, simply not clear enough.” n

Rotrand’s United Against Hate calls for Montreal ‘bubble law’ Read More »

Ethics complaints brought against Senator Woo

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg and
Beryl Wajsman
The Suburban

Yves Engler, a longtime anti-Israel agitator best known for interrupting events and attempting to video and ask anti-Israel questions of prominent members of the Jewish community and others he protests against, has been arrested for harassment and obstruction of justice.

Court documents say the current accusations include repeated communications with two individuals, with intent to harass, one being a police officer and the other being media personality Dahlia Kurtz, a pro-Israel activist prominent on X (formerly Twitter); and obstructing a police officer in his duties.

Engler had written about Kurtz in late June 2024, “Racist Dahlia supports killing Palestinian children. 20,000 is not enough she wants even more Palestinian blood spilled.” Kurtz responded in early July, “I’m advising you in this one message only that you are harassing me. You’re threatening and you’re making me afraid for my safety.”

She then contacted lawyer Neil Oberman, who has successfully obtained injunctions keeping anti-israel activists well away from Jewish institutions; and helping Jewish university students against anti-Jewish harassment on campus.

Knowing in advance of his arrest, Engler wrote that a police officer named Crivello “said I had described Kurtz as a ‘genocide’” supporter and ‘fascist’ on Twitter. Guilty as charged.”

Engler made bail following a court appearance. His conditions include not being in close proximity to the complainants and not to make any reference about the police officer who was the alleged subject of harassment, to appear in court at required times, live at his listed address and alert the court in writing of any change in residence.

In a further twist in this story, Kurtz has filed a formal complaint with the Senate ethics commissioner against British Columbia Sen. Yuen Pau Woo appointed by Prime Minister Trudeau in 2016. Kurtz alleges that Woo “incited hate, aggression, and violence against me online in a public forum on X (Twitter) in a series of posts. This is in regards to a case before the courts in which I am the victim. He doesn’t even have the correct information and is commenting and siding with the accused. Senator Woo has now put me in the crosshairs of more people — and has further endangered my safety and my reputation.”

In what appears to be an attempt at intervening in the judicial process after Engler was charged, Woo challenged police by posting on X that,” I support the right of @EnglerYves to voice outrage over genocide in Gaza and to call out those who aid and abet crimes against humanity. The @rcmpgrepolice must explain fully the grounds on which charges are being laid and how these actions do not violate freedom of expression.” n

Ethics complaints brought against Senator Woo Read More »

Albanese talks cancelled after Oberman serves McGill

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

McGill student groups, represented by Spiegel Sohmer senior partner Neil Oberman, served McGill University and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese with a demand for security and safety on campus, seeking to bar Albanese from speaking at the university’s Moot Court Nov. 4. The university was given a deadline of 2 p.m. Nov. 1 to reply or face possible further legal action.

“Our clients plan to hold McGill University liable for the damages they suffer due to the failure to ensure a safe and secure environment,” the demand letter says.

The McGill talk was cancelled at the Moot Court, and instead took place at the student union building, which was not served and over which McGill has no authority. Albanese also ended up cancelling at another Montreal event Nov. 2 after the letters were served. Oberman referred to that event as a “Hate Conference” for including virulent anti-Israel and antisemitic speakers, such as Charlotte Kates of Samidoun, recently designated by Canada as a terrorist entity. Oberman refers to the McGill conference as the “Hate Lecture.”

Oberman, representing 21 students, Chabad McGill, Hillel McGill, the Jewish Law Students Association of McGill (“JLSA”), Israel on Campus McGill and other organizations, demanded that McGill “stop Ms. Albanese from promoting hatred on campus” and “restrict Ms. Albanese from using McGill premises to spread hate speech.” The demand also calls on Albanese herself to “refrain from coming to the university campus to spread any offensive, hateful, or discriminatory language or messages.”

McGill is accused in the letter of failing “to act in accordance with the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, the Civil Code of Quebec and the Consumer Protection Act.”

Oberman’s demand letter conveys to McGill President Saini that, “as the custodian of the university, it is your obligation to ensure that all students are always, while on campus or participating in university activities, safe, secure, and protected regardless of their race, religion, and/or ethnicity. These obligations extend to our clients’ civil rights, particularly those guaranteeing them safety and the ability to be free from discrimination.”

Oberman pointed out that promoters of the McGill conference included Independent Jewish Voices Canada Inc., “an organization which is currently the subject of contempt of Court proceedings and was the subject of a provisional interlocutory injunction in another Court matter as recently as October 2nd, 2024, for its illicit campus activity at Concordia.

“They also include ‘LawStudents4Palestine’, an unincorporated, unregistered and purposefully anonymous entity which is not a registered student club with the LSA. These groups remain anonymous to evade accountability for spreading hatred and discrimination, including at times committing unlawful acts of physical aggression and property damage.”

“It is unacceptable that McGill University allows such activities on its campus,” Oberman’s demand letter says.

Native Montrealer Hillel Neuer of the organization UN Watch, speaking at Hampstead Park Sunday before the weekly Bring Them Home Montreal walk for hostages, slammed Albanese for saying the world “has to understand the context” of the Oct. 7 attack from the Palestinian perspective, and for accusing Israel of aggression on that day.

“Yet, despite this, she was invited to Montreal. I’m a proud graduate of McGill law school, where she was invited to speak. McGill [said] they’re not involved, it’s the students. Would McGill law school give its lecture hall to students hosting a speaker who was internationally condemned for racism against Black or Indigenous people? I don’t think so. If you’re going to host them, at least speak out.” n

Albanese talks cancelled after Oberman serves McGill Read More »

Mount Royal federal election: Undecideds dominate, Tories ahead of Libs

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The Suburban conducted a small poll of 150 people in the Hampstead, CSL, CDN and TMR areas of Mount Royal riding last week regarding the upcoming federal election that could be held as early as this year if the minority Liberal government loses a confidence vote. The riding has been a Liberal stronghold since 1940.

The results demonstrate an interesting split between the incumbent, Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, Conservative candidate Neil Oberman and those who are undecided, and some out of left field choices. Over the years, many have lamented that they cannot vote for Housefather and against Trudeau.

According to our straw poll results, Oberman had the support of 31.3 percent of respondents, Housefather had the support of 25.3 percent and 37.3 percent were undecided, with three percent for whoever the NDP candidate will be. Those who were undecided were split between Housefather and Oberman in CSL, Hampstead and TMR, and generally between Housefather and the NDP in Côte des Neiges.

Some comments from residents in TMR:

One undecided voter who is leaning towards Oberman said, “I voted for the Liberals for 30 years. Do I vote for the Liberal trainwreck or study what Oberman is doing? This is what many Townies are thinking.”

Said another resident: “Housefather is not my choice, but I’ll vote Liberal anyway.”

“I’ve always been Liberal, but I don’t like either candidate,” said another.

“I’ve given up on Trudeau, he’s had his time,” said an undecided voter. “Let’s see what he does [in terms of staying on as leader] and then I’ll decide.”

One TMR resident said he’ll vote for the Bloc Québécois.

“They have the best interest of the province at heart,” said the English-speaker.

The responses in Côte des Neiges were more split between the Liberals and NDP, with at least one respondent expressing a dislike for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

Another said, “unfortunately I love Housefather, but I can’t stand Trudeau.”

A Housefather voter said, “I don’t know anything about Oberman.”

There were also some out of the ordinary responses.

One anglophone undecided voter said, “I’m not voting for Housefather, he’s anti-French. Anglophones should get out of their enclaves and learn the French culture.”

“I’m done with Trudeau,” said an undecided voter. “he acted badly during the pandemic, like a dictator. F–kin’ Trudeau.”

In Hampstead, many chose Oberman and others were undecided.

“I’m allergic to Trudeau,” said a voter. “Anthony is a good representative, but he’s in the wrong party.”

“If Trudeau wins, I’m leaving Canada!” said another.

One couple, originally from Vancouver, chose the Green Party.

Another couple chose the NDP.

“They’re the only ones talking about Gaza,” they said.

In Côte St. Luc, the Housefather-Oberman-undecided vote was split.

“There’s no doubt in my mind I’m voting for Oberman, I will not vote for Liberals again,” said CSL resident Steven White. “As much as I like Anthony as a human being, I do not like the leader he represents and I cannot in good conscience vote the Liberals in again.” n

Mount Royal federal election: Undecideds dominate, Tories ahead of Libs Read More »

McGill encampment dismantled after more than two months

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

The anti-Israel encampment at McGill University was taken down last week after more than two months, a period that included violent and intimidating actions by the protesters, unsanitary conditions, an attempt at negotiating by McGill and legal attempts by McGill and Spiegel Sohmer senior partner Neil Oberman to move the encampment out.

The City of Montreal recently dismantled the encampment at Victoria Square. In McGill’s case, a private security firm was hired to do the actual dismantling, while the SPVM and some SQ officers surrounded the area around the campus. The University of Ottawa encampment was dismantled the same day.

A McGill alert that day said, “as members of the McGill community are aware, the university has been subject to ongoing and escalating acts of violence and vandalism associated with the encampment, up to and including criminal acts on campus last weekend (smashed windows and assault on a guard),” a McGill alert said. “The encampment is the site of profound health and safety risks that continue to grow in scope and severity. To protect the security of the McGill community and the integrity of our property, the encampment on the lower field of the downtown campus is being dismantled.”

At the scene itself, Sherbrooke Street westward from University was blocked off by police, and anti-Israel protesters stood on Sherbrooke, calling the police fascists and Zionists terrorists, and promising Intifada, while the dismantling proceeded on the campus.

On Thursday night, protesters and police clashed physically at Phillips Square, one of many frequent anti-Israel protest sites. SPVM officers dispersed pepper spray and tear gas and projectiles were thrown at police. One 22-year-old man was arrested for obstruction of police action and assaulting an officer. The individual was released pending a court appearance.

McGill president Deep Saini stated last week why the last straw was broken.

“People linked to the camp have harassed our community members, engaged in antisemitic intimidation, damaged and destroyed McGill property, forcefully occupied a building, clashed with police, and committed acts of assault,” he stated last week. “They also hosted a ‘revolutionary youth summer program’ advertised with images of masked individuals holding assault rifles. The risks emanating from the camp have been escalating, steadily and dangerously.”

Saini further stated that other factors leading to the dismantling were that, “two drug overdoses occurred in the camp since July 6. Syringes [were] visible, and illegal narcotics have been sold there. The camp is infested with rats. There are fire risks, including a propane canister and flammable materials next to the tents.” n

McGill encampment dismantled after more than two months Read More »

Poilievre presents Neil Oberman as Mount Royal candidate in major rally

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and new Mount Royal Conservative candidate Neil Oberman received a massive welcome in the Mount Royal riding Wednesday night, with a crowd that was packed to the rafters at the Grover Auditorium at the Y in Snowdon. Also on hand were Deputy Conservative Leader MP Melissa Lantsman from Toronto, MP Pierre Paul-Hus from the Quebec City area and MP Marty Morantz from Winnipeg, as well as Poilievre’s wife Anaida and their children.

Oberman is the senior partner at Spiegel Sohmer who has sent legal warnings to universities to protect Jewish students, and filed six successful injunctions keeping anti-Israel protesters well away from Jewish institutions. He is challenging Liberal incumbent Anthony Housefather, who recently considered changing parties after a recent vote regarding the Israel-Gaza war, but elected to remain with his party.

Oberman, a Mount Royal riding resident and former Côte St. Luc municipal candidate, told the cheering crowd, “I will represent Mount Royal as if you are my family!

“I’m running for Parliament not because I have to, not because I need to, it’s because I want to!” he added. “There are hateful divisions. I don’t recognize the Canada that I love! We have to stop it and we’re going to stop it!”

Oberman said Housefather “can no longer dodge responsibility for his decisions to keep in power the most anti-Israel Prime Minister Canada has ever seen!”

“Shame!” yelled the crowd.

Poilievre spoke to the crowd about such election issues as crime, the housing crisis and the carbon tax.

“After nine years of Justin Trudeau, here in Montreal, a city that has given him unquestioned support for his entire career, what have been the results, my friends?!.. We see the crime and chaos, crime is raging out of control after nine years of Trudeau!”

Poilievre also spoke about the many antisemitic incidents, including Jewish schools being fired upon and Molotov cocktails being thrown at Jewish institutions, that have taken place since the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

“It wasn’t like this before Justin Trudeau! There have been many wars in the Middle East, but that violence did not pour over into the streets of Canada, because we had an understanding that we leave those troubles behind, and when we come here, we are all Canadians!….After nine years of Trudeau, everything is broken! Life was not like this before Justin Trudeau and it won’t be like this after Justin Trudeau!”

Poilievre praised Oberman as a “straight-talking no-nonsense local lawyer who has taken it upon himself to file injunctions against Hamas-inspired hate camps and is standing up for the rights of Jewish students to study without fear!

“But that’s not all! He’s fighting back against red tape for small businesses, for lower taxes for their workers, opportunities for the next generation to own a home. This is the type of champion [we need]! Justin Trudeau has taken Montrealers for granted long enough!” n

Poilievre presents Neil Oberman as Mount Royal candidate in major rally Read More »

Oberman testifies at Commons Committee on antisemitism

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Lawyer Neil Oberman, the senior partner at Spiegel Sohmer who has succeeded in obtaining six injunctions to move anti-Israel protests 50 metres from Jewish community institutions, testified last week in Ottawa at the House of Commons Justice Committee regarding the antisemitism that is rampant in Canada, particularly on many university campuses.

Oberman has also served legal warnings on McGill and Concordia demanding action be taken by them to deal with antisemitism on campus. “As a lawyer and a supporter of my community, I think the need for this committee in 2024 goes to show how some of our Canadian values have deteriorated,” Oberman told the committee. “I want to express my concern with the rise in antisemitism that has been documented by various organizations and agencies. Antisemitism is not a thing of the past, but a present and growing threat to our society [and is] not only a problem for Jewish people, but for everyone who values human rights, democracy, and pluralism.”

Oberman also told the committee that “many members of our community have experienced intimidation, hate, bullying and aggression because they are Jewish. When people yell out ‘From the river to the sea’ and ‘intifada,’ all it does is create an atmosphere of aggression towards an identifiable community, which knows exactly what it is supposed to mean.”

The lawyer said numerous examples of antisemitism have been brought to his attention, including a “student being beaten in elementary school by classmates for not supporting Palestine, and when the teacher witnesses it, she encourages the beating; antisemitic student newspapers on campus promoting hatred by propagating tropes; antisemitic graffiti on campuses; a Concordia University group attacking students for being Jewish”, the protests and blockades leading to a need for an injunction to protect local Jewish community institutions “a Jewish teacher being targeted for having a friend who used to be in the IDF and then being subject to a protest outside of her school while she was teaching and a change.org petition for her employer to fire her,” and “Jewish students being harassed by teachers on CEGEP campuses to donate money to organizations that promote hatred.”

Oberman said intimidation on university campuses, CEGEPs and other academic institutions “is in my view the most serious matter facing our community today. “The young people of our community are part of the future and are currently being targeted because they are Jewish. When you discourage, intimidate, bully, and instill fear in a student, you in effect break their morale and impact their ability to want to stay in the community and grow with the community for the future. There is still hope, there is still a bright future, but we must collaborate as one to ensure that hatred does not overcome our Canadian values.” n

Oberman testifies at Commons Committee on antisemitism Read More »

Injunction protecting Jewish institutions extended for six months

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

A new six-month injunction was obtained by Spiegel Sohmer senior partner Neil Oberman Friday to protect 27 Jewish institutions by restricting anti-Israel protests to within 50 metres from the sidewalk at each venue. The injunction was granted by Superior Court Justice Dominique Poulin, the sixth judge to grant injunctions and extensions. Previous injunctions were granted for 10 days at a time, and were issued after Federation CJA was blockaded for hours March 4 and an hours-long protest took place near the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue the following day.

The plaintiffs are Federation CJA and the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue. The defendants are Montreal4Palestine, the Palestinian Youth Movement Montreal (PYMMontreal), Alliance4Palestine.QC and Bara Iyad Abuhamed, the latter of whom faces charges of assaulting a police officer during a trespassing protest by an anti-Israel mob inside Carrefour Laval.

The protected institutions include the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, the Federation CJA building, the YM-YWHA building on Westbury Ave., Herzliah High School on Mountain Sights Ave. and United Talmud Torahs of Montreal on St. Kevin, all in what is called the Jewish community campus in Snowdon; Beth Israel Beth Aaron Synagogue, Congregation Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem and Beth Zion Synagogue in Côte St. Luc: Adath Israel Poale Zedek Anshei Overoff Synagogue and Bais Menchem Chabad Lubavitch in Hampstead; Congregation Shaar Hashomayim and Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Westmount; Congregation Shaare Zedek in NDG; Yeshiva Gedolah in Côte des Neiges, which was fired upon twice late last year; Congregation Beth Ora in St. Laurent; Hebrew Academy in Côte St. Luc; Solomon Schechter Academy in NDG, Jewish People’s School and Peretz School in CSL and École Maimonide in St. Laurent and CSL.

Oberman is arguing for a permanent injunction against the defendants, saying they are perpetrating hate in their speech and actions, and trying to intimidate and harass a particular community.

Yair Szlak, President and CEO of Federation CJA, said the granting of the new injunction “was a win for the community.

“For the sixth time a judge has recognized the necessity to protect Jewish life and practice from irrational attack and intimidation, issuing a six-month order. That Federation CJA had already succeeded in obtaining several injunctions and renewals to protect our institutions was a reflection of the court’s understanding of the dangerous and escalating nature of the continual protests targeting Montreal’s Jewish community. By way of our intervention, we have assisted and provided law enforcement additional metrics to safeguard our community.

“The judgment rendered reaffirms that the rights to demonstrate and to freedom of expression do not include permission to intimidate and threaten the Jewish community,” he added. “We are proud of the work of the legal team leading our efforts and grateful for the tireless work of the Community Security Network to ensure the safety and security of Jewish Montrealers.”

Eta Yudin, Vice President for Quebec of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said CIJA is “deeply gratified by the court’s decision to extend the order, ensuring that a safe and respectful distance is maintained around our communal institutions. This ruling not only reinforces the right to security and peace for the Montreal Jewish community but also upholds the essential values of respect and coexistence that define our society.” n

Injunction protecting Jewish institutions extended for six months Read More »

Judge expands injunction against anti-Israel protests protecting 27 institutions

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Superior Court Justice Louis Charette has broadly expanded a provisional interlocutory injunction against pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests so that demonstrators cannot protest within 50 metres of numerous Jewish community institutions throughout Montreal.The defendants are Independent Jewish Voices, Montreal4Palestine, the Palestinian Youth Movement Montreal (PYMMontreal), Alliance4Palestine.QC and Bara Iyad Abuhamed, the latter of whom faces charges of assaulting a police officer during a trespassing protest by an anti-Israel mob inside Carrefour Laval.

The judge wrote that in his view, “there is the existence of urgency, an appearance of right, a serious and/or irreparable prejudice suffered by lntervenors (the added institutions) and the balance of inconvenience lies in lntervenors’ favour, thereby satisfying the requirements for the issuance of a provisional injunction.” The judgment also authorizes the added Jewish institutions and their representatives to “call upon any policing authority to enforce the order to intervene.”

The original injunction was brought by Neil Oberman, Spiegel Sohmer senior partner, on behalf of Federation CJA and the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, following a March 4 hours-long blockade of the former’s building on Côte Ste. Catherine Road and a March 5 hours-long protest near the synagogue.Federation CJA and CIJA said the injunctions were brought because the anti-Israel protests in Montreal and across Canada “have grown increasingly aggressive, specifically targeting synagogues, community centres and even hospitals, stoking fear in the hearts of Canadian Jews across the country.”

The expanded injunction now prohibits protests within 50 metres of the sidewalk in front of the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, the Federation CJA building, the YM-YWHA building on Westbury Ave., Herzliah High School on Mountain Sights Ave. and United Talmud Torahs of Montreal on St. Kevin, all in what is called the Jewish community campus in Snowdon. It also prohibits protests within 50 metres of the sidewalk outside Beth Israel Beth Aaron Synagogue, Congregation Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem and Beth Zion Synagogue in Côte St. Luc: Adath Israel Poale Zedek Anshei Overoff Synagogue and Bais Menchem Chabad Lubavitch in Hampstead; Congregation Shaar Hashomayim and Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom in Westmount; Congregation Shaare Zedek in NDG; Yeshiva Gedolah in Côte des Neiges, which was fired upon twice late last year; Congregation Beth Ora in St. Laurent; Hebrew Academy in Côte St. Luc; Solomon Schechter Academy in NDG, Jewish People’s School and Peretz School in CSL and École Maimonide in St. Laurent and CSL.

The pro-Palestinian group Independent Jewish Voices, reacting to the injunctions, claims their protests targeted the events, such as IDF reservists speaking at Federation CJA and the Israel real estate event at the Spanish and Portuguese, and not the venues. “Federation CJA’s claims are dangerous and misleading,” the group contends. “Despite claims in their lawsuit, synagogues and Jewish community buildings are not being protested for being Jewish cultural or religious spaces. Events glamorizing genocide and ethnic cleansing are not welcome in our cities, cultural centres and houses of worship. We are disappointed but not surprised to see CJA and CIJA…using legal tools to vilify the protests as ‘antisemitic.’ We have seen these organizations consistently intimidate and demonize grassroots and student organizers over the last six months. We are not the ones stoking fear in the hearts of Jewish community members; our community leaders are telling our fellow Jews to be afraid.”

B’nai Brith Canada, reacting to IJV, stated, “The actions of members of Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) have made it abundantly clear, IJV does not represent the views of Canada’s grassroots Jewish community. It also appears as if they have no regard for the rules and laws of this country.”

The Suburban also contacted the Palestinian Youth Movement and await a reply. The other defendants had no contact information. n

Judge expands injunction against anti-Israel protests protecting 27 institutions Read More »

Judge extends injunction against anti-Israel protests

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Beryl Wajsman, Editor
The Suburban

Superior Court Justice Chantal Masse extended the injunction against pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests near Jewish institutions until April 10. The injunction was originally granted by Justice Serge Gaudet. Attorney Neil Oberman, Spiegel Sohmer senior partner, had originally obtained a 10-day provisional injunction.

The proceedings before Justice Masse March 15 were attended by a dozen political and community leaders including Amb. Deborah Lyons,Canada’s Special Envoy on Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather, D’Arcy McGee MNA Elizabeth Prass, Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi, City Councillor Sonny Moroz, Federation CJA CEO Yair Szlak and CIJA Quebec Vice-President Eta Yudin.

The extension maintains the ban on protests within 50 metres of the sidewalks in front of the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue on St. Kevin Ave., the Federation CJA building on Côte Ste. Catherine Rd., the YM-YWHA building on Westbury Ave., Herzliah High School on Mountain Sights Ave. and United Talmud Torahs of Montreal on St. Kevin.

The injunction is against Montréal4Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement Montreal, Alliance4Palestine.QC and Independent Jewish Voices, and Bara Iyad Abuhamed. The latter faces charges of assaulting a police officer during a trespassing protest by an anti-Israel mob inside Carrefour Laval.

On March 5 an anti-Israel mob of some 100 protested in front of the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue of Montreal against the synagogue hosting a trade fair called The Great Israeli Real Estate Event. The day before, some 60 anti-Israel protesters barred the doors to Cummings House on Côte Ste. Catherine Rd. for four hours during an event with three Israeli speakers. Audience attendees were yelled at, spat on and shoved while the mob blocked the entrance, yelling antisemitic threats.

Federation CJA CEO Yair Szlak said he was pleased with the extension. “Justice was done once again,” he said. “We’re very happy that the court recognized the urgency and importance of protecting the Jewish community. While freedom of speech and protests are part of our democratic rights, doing so while seizing a Jewish building and preventing Jews from living a free Jewish life is not acceptable in this country.” n

Judge extends injunction against anti-Israel protests Read More »

First-ever injunction issued protecting Jewish institutions from antisemitic mobs

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg and

Beryl Wajsman,Editor
The Suburban

Another anti-Israel and anti-Jewish demonstration, this time outside the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, had a surprise ending as bailiffs arrived serving injunctions against the mob and dispersing it with the help of the SPVM riot squad. Some legal observers consider this precedent the first injunctive relief granted to protect Jewish institutions since the Hamas atrocities of Oct.7.

The 10-day injunction, which can be extended upon application, established the necessity of an urgent intervention and was granted by Quebec Superior Court Justice Serge Gaudet. It was filed on behalf of Federation CJA and the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue by senior partner at Spiegel Sohmer Neil Oberman against Independent Jewish Voices, Montreal4Palestine, the Palestinian Youth Movement, Alliance4Palestine.QC and Bara Iyad Abuhamed, who was arrested by Laval police for unlawful assembly and assaulting a peace officer following a Dec. 26 Boxing Day pro-Hamas demonstration within the private property of Carrefour Laval.

The legal document prevents the named organizations and individuals from protesting within 50 metres of the sidewalks bordering Federation CJA, the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, the Cummings Centre, the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA, Herzliah High School and United Talmud Torah, mostly located at what’s known as the Jewish community campus in Snowdon. Federation CJA and CIJA are also considering a permanent injunction, and are also calling on the Quebec government to “prevent disturbances by enforcing laws that prohibit disruptive gatherings and face coverings in public spaces.” Community members are being encouraged to e-mail Leader.SJB@assnat.qc.ca to press for such legislation.

Oberman has over the past several months also sent legal notices to McGill and Concordia universities, and the City of Montreal, charging they have failed to effectively counter antisemitism.

Notably, after the injunction was served on the mob numbering some 150, the pro-Hamas crowd, which was protesting an Israel real estate event for which the synagogue space was rented, switched from denouncing Zionism and calling for an end to the State of Israel, to chanting “no justice, no peace, no racist police!”

The pro-Hamas protesters, unlike the previous night at Federation CJA, were not allowed by police to venture onto private property and were confined to St. Kevin west of Lemieux. They were countered by numerous Israel supporters, who sang songs and heckled the anti-Israel crowd — they stood on St. Kevin east of Lemieux and when they left, applauded the many Montreal police officers on hand for their work from 3 p.m. to after 8 p.m.

During the protest and counter-protest, the pro-Hamas side, at one point, shouted “death to Israel, death to the Jews” in Arabic, and in English, continually shouted the violence-inspiring “Viva Intifada,” and the genocidal “from the river to the sea, Palestine is almost free,” claimed Israel’s days were numbered, and said the Israel supporters had low IQs, accusing them of acting indecently and, as a result, not being real Jews. One of their group was arrested for uttering threats, police said.

Israeli supporters played music to drown out the pro-Hamas speakers, chanted “bring them home” in relation to the hostages held by Hamas since Oct.7, laughed with derision at their historical claims, called the protesters “terrorists” and danced and waved the Israeli flag, sang several songs and chanted loudly “Am Yisrael Chai!” Community leaders asked the supporters to leave at 7:30 p.m. to respect the neighbourhood, prompting the pro-Hamas side to say they left out of weakness. But the reality is they were asked to leave before the injunction was to be handed out.

Federation CJA and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs stated that the protest represented “another day, another angry mob chanting hatred directed at Jewish Montrealers.We will not stand by while an angry mob targets, and tries to threaten and intimidate our community.”They also praised the police response, saying that the SPVM “was out in full force to ensure effective buffer zones, access to institutions and the safety of our community.”

On hand at the protest were Federation CJA CEO Yair Szlak, CIJA Quebec vice-president Eta Yudin, D’Arcy McGee MNA Elisabeth Prass, Côte St. Luc councillor Dida Berku, former CSL councillor Glenn Nashen, Spanish and Portuguese Rabbi Yehoshua Ellis and Cantor Daniel Benlolo, Rabbi Reuben Poupko, Snowdon councillor Sonny Moroz, and Cantor Adam Stotland of Shaare Zion Beth-El, amongst many others. n

First-ever injunction issued protecting Jewish institutions from antisemitic mobs Read More »

Scroll to Top