A significant demonstration took place in Toronto recently, where citizens rallied, demanding the Canadian government’s support for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The rally was organized by Ceasefire Now, a coalition of Canadian labor, faith, Arab, Jewish and civil society organizations seeking an end to the conflict in Gaza. The rally, joined by over 1000 demonstrators, made its way through Toronto’s financial district, voicing a call not only for a permanent ceasefire but also for Canada to halt arms sales to Israel and reinstate humanitarian aid to Gaza.
One of the more specific demands of the rally was a call for Canadians to divest from Canadian banks complicit in Israel’s occupation. This claim was based on the alleged connection between Scotiabank and Israeli human rights abuses in Palestinian territories. According to the organizers, Scotiabank invested $500 million into Elbit Systems Ltd, a major Israeli arms manufacturer. Protestors insisted that Canadians using such banking services are indirectly contributing to Israel’s occupation.
Toronto-based criminal defence lawyer and community activist, Krisna Saravanamuttu, highlighted the impact public protests might have made on the Canadian government’s stance on the Gaza conflict. The Canadian government recently voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, a move possibly influenced by public outcries like the recent rally.
Another narrator of the rally’s atmosphere was York University Professor Greg Albo, who underlined the broad spectrum of attendees. Albo also noted some potential improvements in Canadian protests seeking to end the nation’s complicity in Israel’s occupation, mentioning that “demonstrations are the symbol of underlying political strength and also public anger.” He further said, these movements should not just be linked to established political parties. They need a common front to sustain consistent political pressure. It is something Albo believes Canada has successfully done in the past, such as during Canadian public opposition to the 2003-Iraq War.
Albo also proposed a national BDS campaign targeting a consumer boycott of companies like Indigo and goods from Israel. A more coordinated approach could also involve picketing and protesting Canadian arms production and sales to Israel. Furthermore, mass divestment campaigns against Israeli firms and Canadian banks and pension funds investing in Israel might contribute to an intensified national cause.
Protests continue to be organized by Ceasefire Now almost on a weekly basis, as they leverage popular support for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, urging an end to Canada’s support for Israel’s occupation.