Palestinian activists and Pan-Asian activists ally for Lunar New Year

Protesters gathered in downtown Montreal to protest what they say is close to 130 days of ongoing genocide on the Palestinian people.

Almost 30 thousand Palestinians have been killed in Israel's bombardment on Gaza since the Oct. 7 Al Aqsa flood. Two thirds of these numbers account for women and children.

"In our tradition we light incense to pay our respects to our ancestors, to the heaven and to the earth," an unnamed activist said to the crowd. "Let us reaffirm our commitments and prayers for a new years, as well as for our Yemeni people and allies of the movement on the ground. The history of Palestinian liberation is directly connected to the liberation of all people."

Organizers said they support not just the liberation of Palestinians, but for all under occupation.

The protest was organized by Montreal-based organizations Palestinian Youth Movement and Montreal4Palestine.

The protest was in solidarity with pan-Asian groups in celebration of Lunar New Year. The groups involved Chinatown Youth Montreal, Filipinos for Palestinian Liberation, Filipino Women's Organization of Quebec, National Association of Japanese Canadians and Filipinos of Montreal.

Almost two months prior, Canada voted in favour of a ceasefire resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, however, no permanent ceasefire has been put into place since. 

In their speeches, organizers pushed for Canada to demand for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. 

Protesters marches through Saint Catherine street, starting in Chinatown.

Organizers and participants chanted slogans such as "Israel bombs, USA pays, how many kids did you kill today" and "Israel terrorist, Biden complice" in French and "Justin Trudeau, you're a liar, we demand a ceasefire."