Vancouver Police Probe Oct. 7 Rally Where ‘Death to Canada’ Cry Went Up

Vancouver Police have launched an investigation into a rally held on Oct. 7 by the group Samidoun, marking the anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel, after a speaker at the protest reportedly chanted “death to Canada,” “death to the United States,” and “death to Israel.” The demonstration, held at the Vancouver Art Gallery, included flag-burning and statements of solidarity with terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Police are determining whether actions at the protest meet the threshold for criminal charges.

The rally’s rhetoric and actions have drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, with calls from both provincial and federal politicians to label Samidoun as a terrorist entity. The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver expressed concern over increased anti-Semitic incidents at such protests. Federal Conservatives have vowed to add Samidoun to Canada’s list of terrorist entities if elected, while the government says national security agencies are conducting an urgent review of the group’s activities.

This incident comes as tensions remain high in the region, with Canadian leaders emphasizing unity against violent rhetoric and hate. Vancouver Police maintain that, while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, public safety will be upheld, with arrests made where laws are broken.