Story perspectives

Two Years After Attack: Rising Tensions on Campuses

10/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

On the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attack, tensions rose across Canadian campuses as Jewish students reported feeling unsafe during vigils and facing harassment.
Concordia University closed its campus due to threats of violence.
Pro-Palestinian protests at McGill University led to clashes and police intervention.
The Antisemitism Research Center reported a rise in antisemitic incidents tied to the anniversary.

History

Historical Context

The Crown Heights riots from August 19 to 21, 1991, erupted after the accidental death of seven-year-old Gavin Cato, igniting racial tensions between African American and Jewish communities in Brooklyn. The violence resulted in one Jewish man's death and over 100 injuries, highlighting systemic grievances. Today, similar tensions resurface as Jewish students face harassment amid pro-Palestinian protests, raising concerns about campus safety and antisemitism.

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Story summary

On the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attack, tensions rose across Canadian campuses as Jewish students reported feeling unsafe during vigils and facing harassment.
Concordia University closed its campus due to threats of violence.
Pro-Palestinian protests at McGill University led to clashes and police intervention.
The Antisemitism Research Center reported a rise in antisemitic incidents tied to the anniversary.

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