Thousands Rally in Ottawa for the Release of Hostages Taken by Hamas, and to Support Jewish Communities

Thousands of people gathered on Parliament Hill on Dec. 4 to urge the safe return of hostages held by Hamas following the terrorist group’s attack on Israel in October. Some participants also condemned recent attacks on Canadian Jewish communities. Led by advocacy groups the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and the Jewish Federations of Canada, the aim of the event was to bring people together in support of the release of the hostages, as well as support the people of Israel and the safety of Jewish Canadians, according to a statement posted on the platform X. Titled “Canada’s Rally for the Jewish People,” the event drew an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people, who displayed Canadian and Israeli flags, with some holding signs with words such as “Free the hostages” and “Bring them home.”...