On Sunday, Iranian Canadians and various Jewish organizations expressed significant concern as U.S. military strikes targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities, heightening fears of escalating violence in the Middle East. Nimâ Machouf, a member of a Montreal Iranian women’s group, reported that her relatives in Iran are enduring a climate of perpetual anxiety, “living from one bomb to another.” She emphasized that such strikes would only exacerbate violence and distance the region from peace, ultimately harming those resisting the Iranian regime’s oppression. Machouf articulated a sense of abandonment felt by the Iranian populace, highlighting a critical lack of protection from both their own government and the international community in light of these attacks.
As tensions escalated, police in major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver increased their presence, citing proactive measures to monitor the situation. Official statements on social media indicated that additional resources would be allocated to areas likely to experience unrest, including places of worship and cultural centers. Vancouver police acknowledged the distance of the Middle Eastern conflict yet recognized its direct implications for community safety. They underscored their commitment to maintaining lawful protests while engaging with local leaders and community representatives, showing an awareness of the conflicts’ reverberations within the diverse Canadian community.
Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly shared his perspective on the U.S. military action, framing it as a necessary response to the peril that Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose to global security. He reiterated Canada’s firm stance against Iran developing nuclear capabilities while acknowledging the volatility of the situation. Carney underscored the importance of diplomatic dialogue to resolve tensions in the Middle East, reflecting a desire for a peaceful resolution amid escalating confrontations. Meanwhile, Noah Shack of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs labeled Iran’s nuclear initiatives as a significant threat, calling for a unified stand against the Iranian regime to foster international stability.
Amidst growing concerns, Kaveh Shahrooz, a lawyer and senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, conveyed the widespread apprehension regarding the repercussions of the U.S. strikes on Iranian civilians. He noted the regime’s failure to provide adequate safety measures for its citizens, such as air raid sirens or bomb shelters, with reports of internet outages further complicating communication with loved ones in Iran. This disconnection has led to heightened anxiety among the Iranian diaspora in Canada as they await news from family and friends, unsure of the impact ongoing hostilities may have on their lives.
Opinions within Canada’s Iranian community appeared divided regarding the U.S. military intervention. While some expressed anger, others viewed the strikes as long-awaited, potentially diminishing the Iranian government’s nuclear strength and international standing. Supporters of the regime change, including those who oppose the Iranian government, expressed hope for a more liberated future for their homeland. Conversely, Machouf dismissed any notion that external forces could liberate Iran, arguing for the necessity of internal reform driven by the Iranian people themselves.
The sentiments within the community manifested publicly, as evidenced by a rally organized in Toronto titled “Hands Off Iran.” Spearheaded by organizations like Jews Say No to Genocide and the Iranian Canadian Congress, the gathering aimed to advocate for sanctions against Israel and call for a bilateral arms embargo amid the ongoing conflict. Gur Tsabar, a spokesperson for the coalition, critiqued recent military actions by Israel and the U.S. as deeply concerning, showcasing the intersecting complexities of international politics and local community responses. Thus, the situation remains fraught, with community leaders grappling with the implications of foreign interventions on both Iranian citizens and Canadian society.
