Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau encountered a vocal crowd during his recent visit to a mosque in Toronto, where his response to the Israel-Hamas conflict drew strong reactions. The video capturing this interaction quickly went viral on social media platforms, including X.
PM Justin Trudeau embarrassed and rejected from Canada Mosque pic.twitter.com/8NUhjYrzyr
— Mohammed Hijab (@mohammed_hijab) October 20, 2023
Trudeau’s visit to the International Muslims Organization of Toronto was not initially disclosed to the media, but his office later confirmed the purpose: to express support for those affected in the Muslim community due to events in the Middle East. During his visit, attendees at the mosque can be heard expressing disapproval, with some saying “shame” and urging a facilitator not to let Trudeau speak at the podium. Despite the crowd’s response, Trudeau thanked them for allowing him to join in prayer during a challenging time.
Protesters also gathered outside the mosque as Trudeau departed, calling on the Prime Minister to advocate for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Toronto Sun reported that Salma Zahid, a Toronto-area Liberal MP and the chair of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group, had written a letter to the Canadian PM outlining specific demands supported by 33 MPs. These demands include Canada’s endorsement of an immediate ceasefire, assistance in opening a humanitarian corridor, and a commitment to uphold international law. The letter was signed by 23 backbench Liberal MPs, eight NDP MPs, and both Green Party MPs.
The letter underscores the importance of international law, particularly in protecting innocent civilians and non-combatants during times of conflict. It’s worth noting that a group of MPs from various backgrounds met to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has escalated tensions across the Middle East, with Israel launching airstrikes and limiting access to essential resources in the Palestinian territories. The United Nations has criticized these actions as violations of international humanitarian law.