Wednesday, December 24, 2025
ADVT 
National

Eby deplores 'most hateful' speech praising Hamas attack, as UBC protest camp begins

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Apr, 2024 03:21 PM
  • Eby deplores 'most hateful' speech praising Hamas attack, as UBC protest camp begins

Charlotte Kates of the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network told the rally outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Friday that the attack was "heroic and brave." 

Eby said the comments about the attack, that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were "the most hateful" he could imagine.

"Celebrating the murder, the rape of innocent people attending a music festival, it's awful," Eby said at an unrelated news conference on Monday. 

"It's reprehensible, and it shouldn't take place in British Columbia. There is clearly an element of some individuals using an international tragedy to promote hate that's completely unacceptable."

Kates and Samidoun did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Eby also remarked on an encampment by pro-Palestinian protesters that began at the University of B.C. on Monday. 

Similar camps have appeared on campuses across the United States, as well as at McGill University in Montreal and the University of Ottawa.

At McGill, activists have set up dozens of tents. The university said Monday morning it had seen video evidence of some protesters using "unequivocally antisemitic language and intimidating behaviour" during the protest.

The UBC camp included about 20 tents on MacInnes Field by noon Monday.

Eby said a university campus, while a protected space for free speech, should foster a safe space for students of all backgrounds, especially for Jewish students during a time they feel "particularly alone on campuses and need additional support to feel safe."

"I have no reason to doubt that the leadership, both student and administration, at UBC will find that balance between ensuring students are safe and making sure that atmosphere of free exchange of ideas can continue to take place on campus."

In a series of messages posted on social media platform X, UBC protest organizers have asked supporters to bring tents and sandbags, as well as food, water, first aid and generators.

Naisha Khan, a spokeswoman for the protest camp, said tents started going up at 5 a.m. Monday, with attendees from UBC, Simon Fraser University and Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

Khan said they wouldn't leave until UBC supported the Palestinian right to "resistance," and the right of return to what is now Israel.

In a written response, UBC spokesman Matthew Ramsey said the school is monitoring the situation and keeping in contact with the RCMP.

Protests must "be taken with respect for others and within the boundaries of university policy and the law," he said.

"We also remind everyone that hate and intolerance have no place at UBC," Ramsey said. "The university must be a place of reasoned debate where conflicting views can peacefully coexist."

Before Eby, the Vancouver Art Gallery rally had drawn condemnation from Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, who called it a "celebration of terrorism and antisemitism."

Sim said in a post on X on Sunday that people who "spew this vile hatred" were not welcome in the city.

Liberal member for Vancouver Granville Taleeb Noormohamed said on X that "glorifying Oct. 7 is unacceptable" and "does nothing to promote peace," while B.C. Opposition Leader Kevin Falcon called the speech a "celebration of the heinous murder of Jews."

MORE National ARTICLES

Federal policing watchdog probing B.C. RCMP unit experiencing 'significant delays'

Federal policing watchdog probing B.C. RCMP unit experiencing 'significant delays'
In an investigation update this week, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP says it has received "little information or records" since July from the police force's E Division, headquartered in Surrey, B.C.

Federal policing watchdog probing B.C. RCMP unit experiencing 'significant delays'

Right-wing politics threatens sunny partnerships at EU-Canada Summit, warns expert

Right-wing politics threatens sunny partnerships at EU-Canada Summit, warns expert
The leaders of Canada and the European Union wrapped up a two-day summit in Newfoundland on Friday with a flurry of partnership announcements on green energy, raw minerals and research funding. Substantive negotiations are complete surrounding Canada's bid to join Horizon Europe, the EU's $100-billion scientific research program, the two parties said in a joint statement on Friday. They are working toward a "prompt signature and implementation" of an official deal, the statement said.  

Right-wing politics threatens sunny partnerships at EU-Canada Summit, warns expert

Surrey RCMP needs help in suspect ID

Surrey RCMP needs help in suspect ID
Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has been actively working to identify two males who are believed to be involved in this incident. Although a motive has not yet been identified, it appears to have been a targeted incident. At the time of the incident, suspect one was wearing a black t-shirt, beige pants and white shoes. He has visible tattoos on both arms.

Surrey RCMP needs help in suspect ID

Trudeau accuses Tories of turning their backs on Ukraine's needs, announces more aid

Trudeau accuses Tories of turning their backs on Ukraine's needs, announces more aid
In the House of Commons this week, Conservative MPs voted against a bill to implement a negotiated update to an existing trade deal between Canada and Ukraine, touching off a heated debate. Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre has insisted that they were rejecting the legislation because it promotes carbon pricing, which he said has been "devastating" for the Canadian economy, and not voting against the trade deal itself. 

Trudeau accuses Tories of turning their backs on Ukraine's needs, announces more aid

Some Home Decorators Collection artificial Christmas trees recalled over fire risk

Some Home Decorators Collection artificial Christmas trees recalled over fire risk
Home Depot is recalling some of its pre-lit artificial Christmas trees because they could pose a fire hazard. Health Canada says consumers should stop using the Home Decorators Collection 7.5 foot Grand Duchess Balsam Fir tree with 5000 Colour Changing Lights.

Some Home Decorators Collection artificial Christmas trees recalled over fire risk

Union says deal with Vancouver police would make officers highest paid in Canada

Union says deal with Vancouver police would make officers highest paid in Canada
The union representing Vancouver's police officers says it has reached a tentative labour agreement that, if passed, will see its members become Canada's highest-paid officers. Vancouver Police Union president Ralph Kaisers says negotiations with their employers began earlier this year, and the tentative collective agreement was reached on Oct. 31.  

Union says deal with Vancouver police would make officers highest paid in Canada