The minister for higher education in Quebec is calling for calm after a clash between students at Montreal’s Concordia University over the Israel–Hamas war left three injured and one woman facing a police citation.
Pascale Déry
posted on X that she had spoken with the university to ensure “order is restored on campus.”
“Too many students fear for their safety, we cannot tolerate these excesses,” the higher education minister said. “[Public safety minister François Bonnardel] and I appeal for calm and are monitoring the situation very closely.”
Ms. Déry’s comments were echoed in a statement released by Concordia.
“I am deeply saddened and disgusted that the actions of a few individuals have now brought us to the point that we arrived at today,” university president Graham Carr said in a Nov. 8
statement.
The statement notes there were three incidents that occurred on Nov. 8, including a post on social media by a student group “that could reasonably be construed as inciting violence,” Mr. Carr wrote.
He also said a “violent altercation” between students and “individuals external to our community” happened on the mezzanine. Police and an ambulance were called because three people were injured.
A 22-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the altercation, Montreal police
said. She was released with a citation. Const. Jean-Pierre Brabant said two security guards and one student were injured, although not seriously, and that police are investigating the incident.
Concordia’s president said that in addition to the violence, swastikas were discovered in a campus building.
“The university unreservedly condemns these deplorable acts and will make every effort to identify and bring those responsible to account for their behaviour,” Mr. Carr said.
“I extend my heartfelt support to all members of our community who are experiencing anguish and pain as a result of the terrible things transpiring around us. Again, I want to remind all members of the community that we are there to provide support.”
The Centre for Jewish and Israel Affairs (CJIA) posted a video of the student altercation on X.
“Jewish students at [Concordia] set up an exhibit on campus calling for the release of the 240+ Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza,” the
post said. “'Anti-Israel protestors’ attacked them, yelling verbal assaults, shoving and harassing them. This targeting of Jewish students on campus is absolutely unacceptable and must be condemned.”
The Epoch Times reached out to CJIA and Montreal police but did not hear back by publication time.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante
said police would investigate each of the incidents, adding that they would
“not skimp on the means to maintain the security of our metropolis.”“These hateful acts have absolutely no place in Montreal; a city of peace, security and kindness,” she said.
Montreal MP Marc Miller also condemned the student clash on social media.
“It is sickening to see the violent targeting of Jewish students take place at Concordia University today. In no way is this behaviour acceptable in any context,” Mr. Miller said in a Nov. 8
post. “It must cease immediately.”
Jewish Schools Hit by Gunshots
Antisemitic violence is on the rise, with two Jewish schools being
hit overnight by gunshots, according to Montreal police. School staff found bullet holes on the exterior of the buildings on the morning of Nov. 9. Police said nobody was inside the buildings when they were shot.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
