Full Breakdown
Montreal Protest Features Hanging Effigies of Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir and Trump, Prompting Hate-Crime Investigation
5/27/2026, 11:50:50 AM
Hanging Effigies at Pro-Palestinian Rally
On Sunday, May 24 2026, demonstrators gathered at Phillips Square in downtown Montreal for a rally organized by Montreal4Palestine. Instagram video showed three effigies—U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir—suspended from nooses; one wore a kippah, described by some as a “Jew wearing a kippah.” The Montreal Canadiens flag appeared nearby. Montreal police said their hate-crimes unit has opened an investigation.
Surge in Antisemitic Hate Crimes in Canada
Antisemitic hate crimes have surged in Canada. B’nai Brith Canada logged 6,800 incidents in 2025—a 9.4 % rise from 2024 and the highest total since 1982. Recent attacks include gunfire at two Toronto synagogues, fire-bombings of Montreal Jewish sites and a beating of a Jewish man in Montreal. The increase follows the October 7 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the Gaza war, which officials say has amplified antisemitic sentiment.
Official Statements & Responses
MP Anthony Housefather condemned the display as disgusting, antisemitic and incitement. Councillor Leslie Roberts called it unacceptable. Quebec Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière said the simulated hangings are completely unacceptable. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said the incitement of violence, hate symbols and intimidation have no place in Montreal. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs warned the images evoke some of the darkest antisemitic imagery and are not peaceful activism. Police confirmed a hate-crimes investigation is under way.
Criticism & Opposition
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called synagogue shootings “cowardly hate acts.” Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre labeled protesters “masked cowards” and warned “the sickness of antisemitism is here.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the display “horrific” and urged action. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the behavior “appalling,” and Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman called the Liberal anti-antisemitism law “window dressing.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some sources describe the kippah-wearing figure as a generic “Jew wearing a kippah,” while others identify it as Ben-Gvir wearing a kippah. The group is named Montreal4Palestine, MTL4Pal or MTL4Palestine in reports. No official clarification has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “disgusting, antisemitic and clear incitement,” — Anthony Housefather, MP
- “t he images of simulated hangings during a demonstration in Montreal are completely unacceptable.” — Ian Lafrenière, Quebec Domestic Security Minister
- “The antisemitic display by the pro-Hamas group Mtl4Palestine in Montreal is horrific - hanging dolls representing Jews wearing kippahs, President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Ben Gvir.” — Gideon Sa’ar, Israeli Foreign Minister
- “Hanging effigies of Jews in the streets of Montreal evokes some of the darkest antisemitic imagery in history and is completely unacceptable,” — Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)
What’s Next
Montreal’s hate-crimes unit will continue its investigation, and authorities have signaled possible criminal charges. Provincial and federal officials pledged heightened monitoring of antisemitic incidents, while Jewish groups urge stronger legislation and policing ahead of Holocaust remembrance events and the October 7 anniversary.
