On September 11, 2003, New York City experienced a clear blue sky, reminiscent of the day two years prior when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. On the second anniversary of that tragic event, the world united in mourning. In Manhattan, around 200 children who lost parents in the attack read the names of the 2,792 victims. Similar memorials took place globally, including in Canada. Despite ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, there were no significant protests reported on that day. The only dissent came from terrorists who used the occasion to call for further violence against Western troops.

Fast forward to October 7, 2023, the second anniversary of a recent massacre, and the atmosphere was starkly different. While many in the free world mourned the victims and hostages, large crowds in Canada and elsewhere celebrated violence. In Tel Aviv, approximately 30,000 people gathered in Yarkon Park for a memorial, marking the largest gathering since the attack. Vigils were also held across Canada, including a gathering in Victoria where hundreds commemorated the victims and prayed for the hostages. In Winnipeg, about 2,000 participated in a “Walk for Israel” event, while a Toronto synagogue hosted a ceremony attended by local leaders to honor the eight Canadians who died in the attack.

However, the mood shifted dramatically on Montreal’s university campuses, where anti-Israel protests erupted. At Concordia University, two individuals were arrested for attempting to disrupt classes, one of whom was found with a metal bar and incendiary devices. In response to threats of a pro-terror rally, the university closed for the day. Despite this, thousands of protesters took to the streets, with some at McGill University burning an Israeli flag and vandalizing property. Demonstrators chanted slogans that questioned the morality of Western nations and celebrated violence against Israel.

In Toronto, police arrested four individuals during protests, including one for allegedly stealing a flag from a counter-protester. Protests also occurred in the United Kingdom, despite warnings from the prime minister about the sensitivity of the anniversary. In Melbourne, graffiti supporting Hamas was found on buildings, while in Kolkata, effigies of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were burned. In Amsterdam, the Royal Palace was vandalized with red paint.

Amid these protests, diplomats in Egypt worked to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. On Wednesday, a social media announcement indicated that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace plan, raising hopes for the release of hostages and a reduction in violence.

The events since October 7 have raised concerns about the growing divide in society. Observers note a shift in public sentiment, with some viewing violent extremists as justified in their actions. The alliance between certain progressive groups and Islamist factions has led to a rise in anti-Israel sentiment on campuses, prompting calls for governments to address these issues. The ongoing struggle for democratic values and human rights remains a pressing concern as tensions continue to escalate.