Activists at McGill say morale remains high
A patchwork of colourful tarps covered dozens of tents at a pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University’s downtown campus on Sunday, shielding protesters from both the heavy rain and prying eyes.
More than a week after the first Canadian pro-Palestinian campus encampment began in Montreal, organizers at both McGill and the University of Toronto said they’ve become better prepared for the days to follow, thanks to donated materials and community support.
Protester Ari Nahman said Sunday that the Montreal encampment has become a “tiny city” complete with dozens of rainproofed tents, a library, a stockpile of donated supplies and makeshift wooden sidewalks to keep the mud at bay.
Nahman, a student at nearby Concordia University, said morale is high at the camp, despite several days of rain that have turned McGill’s lower field into a slippery mess at times.
“I think we’re much more equipped and prepared today for the various weathers that exist,” said Nahman. “We’re positive, the morale is good.”
While a sign on the metal encampment fence puts out a call for more trash cans, whiteboards and transparent storage containers, Nahman said the campers have been able to pass on some extra donated goods to local shelters.
Pro-Palestinian activists have also set up tents at the University of Toronto, the University of Ottawa and the University of British Columbia campus in Vancouver, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States in response to the Israel-Hamas war. Students at the University of Manitoba have said they’re planning an encampment this week.
Both McGill and Quebec Premier François Legault have described the Montreal encampment as illegal, and asked police to help dismantle the tents — though as of Sunday the force had not complied with the request.
The University of Toronto has said the tents, banners and flags at the encampment on its grounds are a safety concern, and has expressed concern over about reports of threats, discriminatory language and hate speech.
On Sunday, dozens of counterprotesters from the Jewish Defense League gathered near the Toronto encampment, waving Israeli flags. A few university campus special constables stood between the two groups as a line of control to ensure a peaceful protest.
Mohammad Yassin, a student and one of the encampment’s spokespeople, said allegations that the protesters were being hateful or violent were “contrary to reality.”
“People are walking around with their pets and their children,” he said. “There are people drawing art and reading books and sitting down in prayer circles, and that’s exactly what the space is supposed to be.”