B’nai Brith urges Montreal council to reject motion cutting ties with Israel

B’nai Brith Canada appealed to Montreal’s city council to reject a resolution introduced by opposition party Projet Montréal that seeks to suspend institutional ties with the State of Israel. In an open letter, the group described the motion as built on “explosive falsehoods,” accusing it of labeling Israel an apartheid regime and alleging genocide, and warned that such language would inflame local communal relations. The letter emphasized that foreign policy decisions belong to federal leaders, not municipal officials, and that the city’s involvement would be inappropriate.

Projet Montréal’s text, presented on June 4, calls for the council to denounce Israel’s actions and refuse official invitations until Israel adheres to internationally recognized borders and respects Palestinian rights. B’nai Brith cited recent spikes in antisemitic incidents and argued the motion would further endanger the Jewish community in Montreal. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs also condemned the proposal, saying it imports a foreign conflict into municipal politics and fuels division.