Montreal legal and medical leaders denounce city council motion labeling Israel genocide

Projet Montréal has introduced a motion for the Montreal city council to "recognize and denounce the apartheid regime in Palestine and the genocide being perpetrated there," slated for a vote next week. Nearly 50 local lawyers issued an open letter asserting the proposal goes beyond solidarity, demanding a formal genocide declaration and suspension of ties with Israel, which they say exceeds powers granted by the provincial legislature.

They cited that in 2025 roughly 71 % of police-reported hate crimes motivated by religion targeted Jewish people, and referenced recent attacks on Jewish schools and synagogues. The president of the Association des Médecins Juifs du Québec and other medical officials warned the motion could undermine social cohesion and overstep municipal authority. Entrepreneur Harley Finkelstein posted on X that the measure is dangerous for Montreal and unrelated to the overseas conflict, while a B’nai Brith Canada spokesperson called the motion one-sided and irresponsible. Pro-Palestinian groups, such as the Anti-Apartheid Club of Quebec Artists, persist in advocating for the resolution, recalling past council votes on international issues like Iran, Haiti and Rwanda.