Concordia University has decided to close its downtown campus on October 7, 2023. This decision aims to prevent potential disruptions caused by planned protests. Graham Carr, the university president, informed students via email about the closure.
Background of the Decision
This closure coincides with the two-year anniversary of Hamas’s attack on southern Israel. The attack, which occurred in October 2021, resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and around 250 hostages taken to Gaza. Following this event, Israel declared war on Hamas, leading to a military campaign that has claimed over 66,000 lives, according to reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Planned Protests and Community Impact
On the day of the closure, thousands of Montreal students plan to strike in solidarity with Palestinians affected by the conflict over the past two years. Protests are anticipated to take place around Concordia’s Henry F. Hall Building and near the Square-Victoria–OACI Metro station.
- Date of Closure: October 7, 2023
- Anniversary: Two years since the attack by Hamas
- Fatalities from the attack: 1,200
- Hostages taken to Gaza: 250
- Casualties from the ongoing conflict: 66,000+ (Gaza’s Health Ministry)
In his email, Carr emphasized that the campus closure is a precautionary measure to safeguard the university community. He mentioned that although previous protests have occurred on campus, this is the first time such drastic steps have been necessary. Last week, there was a protest near the Hall building, during which two individuals were arrested, one for assault and another for causing a false fire alarm.
Security Concerns
Authorities expect a large turnout of protesters from various universities and CEGEPs, along with counter-demonstrators. Carr indicated that the potential for significant disruptions was high, which led to the decision to suspend normal campus operations.
This closure highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and its impact on local communities, emphasizing Concordia University’s commitment to ensuring safety amidst civil unrest.
