Over a Hundred Jewish Canadians Occupy Parliamentary Building Demanding Arms Embargo on Israel, 14 Arrested Including Rabbi

Ottawa, ON - As catastrophic levels of hunger grip Israeli-occupied Gaza, over 100 Jewish Canadians from the Jews Say No to Genocide Coalition brought parts of Parliament Hill to a standstill today, occupying the Confederation Building to demand an immediate and full two way arms embargo on Israel. Protestors held signs, sang Jewish songs, prayers and chants, and blocked MPs from reaching their offices, denouncing Canada’s active participation in Israel’s ongoing and brutal genocide of the Palestinian people.

Three Members of Parliament attended in support of the protest, further amplifying calls to halt Canada’s arms exports and imports with Israel. Protestors highlighted Canada’s provision of military components used in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and Lebanon as evidence of Canada’s continued complicity in Israel’s war crimes. Jewish-led organizations and allies recently held demonstrations at F-35 factories across Canada, exposing undeniable proof that these deadly weapons, among many others, are made on Canadian soil.

Canada’s Role in Arming Israel’s War Crimes

• Despite Canadian government claims to have ended the export of military goods to Israel, only approximately 30 permits have been suspended. Over 200 active weapons permits remain in effect, facilitating the ongoing shipment of military technology to Israel.
• A loophole allows Canadian-made components to reach Israel via the United States, circumventing export tracking and the permit process entirely.
• Every F-35 fighter jet and Apache helicopter currently bombing Gaza is equipped with Canadian-made parts worth millions of dollars.

“It is an outrage that Liberal and Conservative politicians have enabled Israel’s genocide for over 13 months,” said Rachel Small of World BEYOND War. “Our own laws and the Arms Trade Treaty demand an immediate end to arms exports, yet this government continues to fuel atrocities. Arming a genocidal regime isn’t just immoral—it’s a criminal act.”

After more than an hour blocking the lobby, the peaceful demonstration was disrupted as police abruptly grabbed 14 individuals from behind, including Rabbi David Mivasair. “Today’s action was grounded in the Torah’s command: ‘Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbour’ (Leviticus 19:16),” said the Rabbi. “A small, well-funded pro-Israel lobby has hijacked Jewish identity to justify unspeakable atrocities. As Jews, we reject genocide in our name. Our liberation is bound with the liberation of all oppressed peoples—because to be truly free, we must act against oppression everywhere.”

The coalition vowed to continue pressuring the federal government until their demands for a full two way arms embargo are met, which means:

• Canada must cancel all active military export permits to Israel.
• Canada must immediately close loopholes allowing weapons to reach Israel via the United States without requiring permits.
• Canada must stop all planned and ongoing purchases of Israeli military goods and technology.

This bold action follows mounting global condemnation of Israel’s actions, including recent International Criminal Court arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister. Protestors urged Canada to align with its legal obligations and end support for war crimes.