January 2, 2025
MONTREAL – B’nai Brith Canada is reiterating its support for Bill C-9, the Federal Government’s proposed Combating Hate Act, in response to a New Year’s Eve rally in Montreal that featured terrorist propaganda.
Several demonstrators captured in footage from the event, organized and advertised on social media by Montreal for Palestine, appear to be carrying flags or placards depicting a terrorist wearing a Hamas headband. Some picket signs also quoted Abu Obaida, Hamas’ former chief spokesperson. One poster included his last words, which praised jihad and martyrdom.
According to Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy, such displays could lead to criminal charges if Parliament adopts Bill C-9, which would create an additional Criminal Code offence for the wilful promotion of hatred using terrorist symbols.
B’nai Brith Canada endorsed the legislation when it was announced in September and has continued to advocate for Parliament to adopt its key provisions.
“Hamas, a genocidal and antisemitic movement, is designated as a terrorist organization in Canada,” Robertson said. “Our laws should be strong enough to hold individuals accountable for promoting its hateful and violent ideology.”
Recent attacks on Jewish communities around the world, such as the massacre at Bondi Beach, in Australia, during Hannukah, have highlighted the dangers that result from normalizing terrorist rhetoric and ideologies.
“While most Canadians were at home, hoping for a better, more peaceful New Year, these radicals chose to start 2026 by glorifying and promoting a hateful, listed terrorist entity. Our lawmakers should see this for what it is – a sign that existing approaches are insufficient.
“More needs to be done to provide law enforcement with the resources to address the spread of hateful ideologies that threaten our national security. B’nai Brith Canada will continue to stand up for all Canadians and combat this scourge of extremism in our society.”