Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney has criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for not condemning the celebrations of attacks on Israel that have taken place across Canada since the weekend. Mr. Kenney expressed his views in a social media post on October 8th, stating that while Trudeau was quick to condemn protestors of Covid policies and parental rights, he has not said a word about the thousands of Canadians openly celebrating the massacre of Jews.
The attacks on Israel occurred on October 7th, when Hamas terrorists launched air strikes, killing civilians and kidnapping military members and civilians to Gaza. In response, Israel declared a state of war and launched air strikes on Gaza.
Since the attacks, there have been several rallies held in support of the terrorist attacks in different cities in Canada and other parts of the world.
During the Freedom Convoy in 2022, when thousands of trucks descended on the nation’s capital, Trudeau condemned the behavior of some protestors, characterizing them as displaying “Nazi symbolism” and engaging in destructive behavior. He later issued a post on social media condemning hate and supporting LGBTQI+ Canadians.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre and Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the celebrations of the attacks, with Poilievre stating that there is no place for the glorification of terror and Ford affirming Ontario’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
Liberal MP Anthony Housefather and federal minister Marc Miller also condemned the celebratory rallies, with Housefather specifically mentioning a rally in Montreal and expressing sadness at the events.
Conservative MP Michael Cooper, representing the riding of St. Albert-Edmonton, expressed his disgust at the public call for genocide during a rally held in his riding. He stood in solidarity with Israel.
Despite the widespread condemnation, Trudeau has not issued a statement condemning the celebrations occurring in Canada. However, on October 8th, he joined other world leaders in denouncing the attacks on Israel and called for the immediate release of those being held hostage.
In conclusion, Trudeau’s silence regarding the celebrations of attacks on Israel has been criticized by Kenney and others, while several political leaders in Canada have spoken out against the celebrations and expressed their support for Israel’s right to defend itself.