IN-DEPTH: Who Is Behind the Anti-Israel Rallies and What’s Their Goal?

The rallies emerge from a combination of simmering discontent and skilled planning—with some of that anger being driven by disinformation, says a risk analyst.

Pro-Palestine protesters march along Bay Street in downtown Toronto on Oct. 9, 2023. Andrew Chen/The Epoch Times

Canada and other countries have seen a steady stream of protests against Israel and in support of Palestine since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s subsequent declaration of war. Groups of various ideological mantles have been driving the movement, calling for the destruction of Israel and saying Canada is complicit in “genocide.”

Pro-Palestinian, leftist, and student groups are organizing actions, sometimes jointly, and use social media to announce events and share their messages.