October 7, 2025, marked the second anniversary of the devastating Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which killed over a thousand people. While a day of mourning for many, Montreal also saw a series of demonstrations.
A major protest at Concordia University led to class cancellations and closed doors, with private security guarding entrances.
MONTREAL: A man wearing a Crusader outfit with the Jerusalem Cross is standing here in opposition to the pro-Hamas crowd. pic.twitter.com/SUhuqFuqrT
— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) October 7, 2025
Rebel News had private security on-site as well, thanks to AAEH Security, which generously provided two security guards for coverage of the protest. More about their services is available at AAEHsecurity.com.
The demonstration quickly became a duelling protest between pro-Israel and anti-Israel student groups, with many anti-Israel supporters waving Palestinian flags and wearing face coverings.
Pro-Israel students, allies, and a Rebel News billboard truck displaying images from the 2023 Hamas attacks were also present, holding Canadian and Quebec flags.
MONTREAL: The pro-Israel and pro-Quebec protesters have started marching.
— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) October 7, 2025
They rented our Rebel News billboard truck to display messages opposing the Islamization of children and Sharia law! pic.twitter.com/WKyRaUZR1U
The pro-Israel group marched peacefully with a billboard truck towards McGill University's Roddick Gates, where police and barricades prevented entry and separated the groups to avoid confrontations.
NOW: Montreal riot police are marching through McGill University, seemingly to control the anti-Israel protest where incendiary devices were reported.
— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) October 7, 2025
Updates to follow.
The officers are striking their batons against their shields in unison. pic.twitter.com/4G4fWsZxoH
Anti-Israel protesters breached security at Concordia University, deploying flares, fireworks, and smoke bombs. Police observed but did not intervene despite the escalation.
FIREWORKS: Anti-Israel protesters who have taken over McGill’s campus appear to be firing flares, fireworks, or other incendiary devices.
— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) October 7, 2025
A large cloud of smoke is visible from afar. Montreal police are monitoring the situation.
Many attendees are concealing their identities… pic.twitter.com/T2heHLu6Dw
Protesters returned to Concordia, chanting "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" and "Long live the Intifada, viva viva Intifada." Montreal police then issued a warning via loudspeakers, citing illegal activities and demanding the crowd disperse.
MONTREAL: The pro-Hamas crowd has returned in front of Concordia University. Police warned them after observing illegal activity and instructed them to stop.
— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) October 7, 2025
Riot police are standing in line to protect the campus windows. pic.twitter.com/NY7pkAc7Mz
The anti-Israel group marched to Boulevard René-Lévesque.
Our coverage concluded as another protest, organized by pro-Hamas group Montreal4Palestine, was set to begin at Place des Arts.