Montreal Pride Holds Large Parade Amid Jewish Group Attack, Leadership Resignation

Montreal's 2025 Pride parade proceeded amid significant controversy and heightened tensions surrounding the participation of Jewish LGBTQ+ groups Ga’ava and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). Initially banned due to pro-Palestinian disputes, these groups were reinstated following backlash, leading to leadership changes within the organizing body, Fierté Montréal. During the parade, a 35-year-old woman was arrested for throwing a foul-smelling liquid at members of the Jewish contingents, an act condemned as 'armed aggression.' The group Faction Against Genocide claimed responsibility for spraying Ga’ava and CIJA participants with a foul-smelling natural substance, accusing Pride Montréal of complicity in the Palestinian genocide and accusing these Jewish groups of co-opting queer struggles. Despite these incidents and the surrounding political disputes, thousands marched with rainbow flags in a celebration that organizers framed as both political and inclusive, aiming to amplify the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The events reflect broader challenges within queer activism in balancing LGBTQ+ rights and the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict.