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RESOLUTION No 250802
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CÔTE SAINT-LUC CITY COUNCIL HELD AUGUST 11, 2025
Council members present :
Mayor : Mitchell Brownstein, B. Comm., B.D.C., LL.B.
Councillors :
Lior Azerad
Sidney Benizri
Dida Berku, B.C.L.
Mike Cohen, B.A.
Steven Erdelyi, B.Sc., B.Ed
Mitch Kujavsky, B. Comm.
Oren Sebag, B.Sc. RN MBA
Andee Shuster
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CÔTE SAINT-LUC OPPOSING THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT’S UNILATERAL RECOGNITION OF A PALESTINIAN STATE
WHEREAS the City of Côte Saint-Luc is committed to fostering peace, security, and mutual understanding among all communities, including those affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict;
WHEREAS the Government of Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced on July 30, 2025, its intention to unilaterally recognize a State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025;
WHEREAS this announcement has raised significant concerns in the Montreal Jewish community and in Jewish communities throughout Canada, all of whom value peace and security in their daily lives;
WHEREAS the Montreal Jewish community during the past 2 years has experienced ever-rising incidents of hate and violent antisemitism in their daily lives at work, at universities and in their local parks and neighbourhoods;
WHEREAS these incidents of hate and violent antisemitism have occurred in the following neighbourhoods on the Island of Montreal: Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Cote-des-Neiges/NDG, Ville Saint-Laurent, Outremont, Westmount, Ville-Marie and Côte Saint-Luc;
WHEREAS the recognition of a Palestinian state at this juncture, without a negotiated agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, not only departs from Canada’s longstanding policy of supporting a two-state solution through direct negotiations, as consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, but it legitimizes and emboldens the terrorists abroad and all those who support them here at home;
WHEREAS in rushing to endorse Palestinian statehood without any agreement between the parties — without borders, without elections and with a terrorist organization still in control of Gaza — Prime Minister Carney is rewarding violence and legitimizing extremism in the middle-east and right here in Montreal as well as in Canada;
WHEREAS the following conditions were announced by Prime Minister Carney: “That Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the horrific terrorist attack of October 7; that Hamas must disarm; and that Hamas must play no role in the future governance of Palestine… And that any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, that recognizes Israel’s inalienable right to security and peace.”
These conditions have not yet been satisfied and announcing the recognition of a State without first ensuring that the pre-conditions are in place only serves to empower the terrorists and their local supporters;
WHEREAS the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state emboldens and rewards the terrorist organization, Hamas, and its supporters, as they openly seek the destruction of Israel and advocate for global intifada; Prime Minister Carney’s announcement does not just embolden terrorism abroad — it empowers antisemitism here in Canada;
WHEREAS this declaration will energize those who have already defaced our campuses, disrupted our streets and threatened Jewish communities across the country. It legitimizes their hate and cloaks it in the language of international diplomacy. This is a dangerous move that endangers the safety and security of the Canadian Jewish community;
WHEREAS the City of Côte Saint-Luc has a long-standing commitment to human rights, community safety, and the protection of democratic allies;
WHEREAS the City of Côte Saint-Luc recognizes the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a balanced approach that respects the rights, security, and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians;
WHEREAS the City of Côte Saint-Luc believes that a premature recognition of a Palestinian state, absent a comprehensive peace agreement, risks escalating tensions, undermining diplomatic efforts, creating increased divisiveness in our communities, and prejudicing the outcome of negotiations critical to achieving a just and lasting peace;
It was
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIOR AZERAD
SECONDED BY ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS
AND RESOLVED:
«THAT the Côte Saint-Luc City Council (“Council”) opposes the Government of Canada’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state in September 2025, as it deviates from the established principle of achieving statehood through direct, bilateral negotiations between Israel and a demilitarized Palestinian authority which recognizes Israel’s right to exist;
THAT Council calls for continued international support for diplomatic efforts that prioritize the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, the disarmament of terrorist groups, and the establishment of governance structures that promote peace and reject violence;
THAT Council reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence that promote mutual respect and cooperation among all Canadians, Quebecois and residents of the island of Montreal, regardless of background;
THAT Council directs the City Clerk to transmit copies of this resolution to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Member of Parliament for Mount Royal, and other relevant stakeholders.»
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY