MONTREAL — The Israeli consulate refuted the claim by a group opposed to Israeli government policies that its weekly demonstrations were a factor in the diplomatic mission’s decision to move its offices.
The consulate relocated to Westmount Square in Westmount from the CIBC building at the downtown corner of René Lévesque Boulevard and Peel Street at the end of July.
Spokesperson Peter Subissati said the main reason is that Westmount Square offered more space for less rent, as well as other facilities that meet the consulate’s needs. The consulate had been located in the CIBC building since 1986, he said, and its second 10-year lease expired two years ago and was extended on a yearly basis.
He noted that other consulates, including the Brazilian and Spanish ones, are located in Westmount Square, which has an Israeli owner.
The group Palestinian and Jewish Unity (PAJU) has held Friday noon-time vigils in Dorchester Square since February 2001 to protest Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. The park is across the street from the CIBC building, but the consulate, situated on the 26th floor, was not near the demonstrators, who generally numbered between 20 and 30.
Subissati said he was not aware of any incident in connection with the protests, and that they never interfered with the consulate’s operation.
PAJU director Daniel Saykaly claimed the consulate moved because it was embarrassed by the protests.
The group is not continuing its demonstrations outside Westmount Square, where there is no nearby public space.
