Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland initially did not condemn slogans celebrating a terrorist attack on Israel as hate speech until she watched a video of the chants. She pleaded ignorance when asked about chants of “long live October 7th” and “October 7th proves we’re almost free” during a weekend protest in Ottawa, claiming she was not aware of the reports. However, after seeing the video footage of the demonstration, she changed her tune and expressed shock and disgust at the antisemitism and glorification of terrorism that occurred.
Video from the Saturday demonstration showed hundreds of protesters waving Palestinian flags near Ottawa’s Centre Block parliamentary building. In addition to the pro-Hamas mantras, other antisemitic slogans were chanted, including “From the river to the sea” and “long live the intifada.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the protest as “hateful intimidation” and called out the difference between peaceful protest and hateful intimidation, stating that it is unconscionable to glorify the antisemitic violence and murder perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th.
Freeland, who also serves as Canada’s Minister of Finance, initially did not comment on the issue as she was not specifically aware of the reports. However, after seeing the video footage, she denounced the hate speech and stated that it has no place in Canada. Trudeau echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between peaceful protest and hateful intimidation. He highlighted the horrific actions of Hamas during the October 7th attack on the Jewish state, where several Canadians were among the 1,200 killed by the terrorist group.
After witnessing the footage of the demonstration in Ottawa, Freeland expressed shock and disgust at the antisemitism and glorification of terrorism that took place, denouncing it as hate speech that has no place in Canada. Trudeau joined her in condemning the protest as hateful intimidation and emphasizing that glorifying violence and murder has no place in the country. The chants and slogans during the protest were deemed as promoting antisemitism and justifying terrorism, which received criticism and backlash from Canadian officials.
The incident in Ottawa sparked a debate on the boundaries of free speech and the line between peaceful protest and hate speech. Freeland’s initial hesitation to condemn the slogans as hate speech raised questions about the government’s stance on antisemitism and terrorism. However, the subsequent denouncement of the protest by both Freeland and Trudeau clarified the government’s position on the issue. The condemnation of the hateful chants underscored the Canadian government’s commitment to combating antisemitism and terrorism within the country.
In conclusion, the video footage of the protest in Ottawa led Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to denounce the hate speech and antisemitism displayed during the demonstration. The government officials condemned the glorification of terrorism and violence perpetrated by Hamas, emphasizing that such rhetoric has no place in Canada. The incident prompted a discussion on free speech and the importance of distinguishing between peaceful protest and hateful intimidation in a democratic society, reinforcing the government’s commitment to combatting antisemitism and terrorism within the country.
