Full Breakdown
Concordia University Closes Campus Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests
10/8/2025, 8:25:02 PM
Context of the Protests
On October 7, 2025, Concordia University in Montreal closed its downtown campus in anticipation of significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations marking the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel. This decision was made by university president Graham Carr, who cited the "threat of extreme disruption" as the primary reason for the closure. The protests were part of a broader week of action in support of Palestinian rights, with thousands of students from various Montreal institutions participating.
Details of the Demonstrations
The protests began at Concordia's Hall building and extended through downtown Montreal, with demonstrators calling for divestment from companies linked to Israel and denouncing what they described as genocide in Gaza. The demonstrations were characterized by a strong police presence, including riot police and mounted units, to manage the crowds and separate pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups. Some protesters engaged in acts of vandalism, including the burning of an Israeli flag and breaking windows at McGill University’s Redpath Library.
Official Responses and Safety Concerns
In an email to the university community, Carr expressed profound sadness over the need to close the campus, emphasizing that safety was paramount. He noted that two individuals had been arrested the previous day for disrupting classes, one of whom was found with a metal bar and incendiary devices. Carr stated, “Acts of intimidation and violence have no place in our society, and particularly not in institutions that centre around teaching and learning.”
Perspectives from the Protests
Student activists voiced their concerns about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Ibtissam Machhouri, a health-care student, articulated the urgency of their message, stating, “We are here to mobilize all of our students to make a message clear to our administrations that two years of genocide... has crossed the red line.” Conversely, some Jewish students expressed feelings of threat and alienation, with Rabbi Josh Berkowitz noting that Concordia was "not a safe place to learn right now" for students with Jewish identification.
Criticism and Opposition
The university's decision to close the campus faced criticism from some student groups, who accused the administration of "fear-mongering" and neglecting democratic processes to address student concerns. Laurent Cardinal, a member of the revolutionary communist party’s student chapter, highlighted ongoing student activism that he felt was being overlooked. Meanwhile, Jewish students like Drew Sylver lamented the rising tensions and threats they faced since the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The closure of Concordia's downtown campus on October 7, 2025, underscores the challenges universities face in balancing free expression and safety amid rising political polarization. As protests continue to shape campus life, Concordia must navigate these tensions while fostering dialogue and addressing the concerns of a divided student body. The events serve as a reminder of how global conflicts resonate locally, impacting educational institutions and their communities.
