Second Cup Café has closed its store at a Jewish hospital in Montreal following an incident where the franchisee was seen making hateful gestures during a pro-Palestinian, anti-NATO protest that turned violent on Friday, Nov. 22.
“This franchisee’s actions not only violate our franchise agreement but also go against the values of inclusion and community that we uphold at Second Cup.”
The coffee retailer emphasized its “zero tolerance for hate speech.”
“In collaboration with the hospital, we have closed down the franchisee’s café and are terminating their franchise agreement.”
International human rights lawyer and anti-Semitism activist Arsen Ostrovsky reported that the franchise owner, a woman wearing a keffiyeh, was seen performing the “Heil Hitler” Nazi salute during the Montreal riot on Nov. 22. The Epoch Times reached out to Second Cup for confirmation on the franchise owner’s identity but did not receive a response by publication time.
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“By doing so, they are demonstrating the courage and leadership that [Canada] urgently needs but lacks from its highest public officials,” he expressed on X on Nov. 23.
Montreal police reported the use of smoke bombs and throwing of metal barriers during the protest. Additionally, protesters damaged windows of the convention center and nearby businesses. Three individuals have been arrested, with more expected to follow.
Politicians strongly condemned acts of anti-Semitism amid the riots.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the events as “appalling.”
“Acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever we see them,” Trudeau emphasized.
Quebec Premier François Legault also denounced the violence, stating, “The violent and hateful scenes we witnessed last night in the streets of Montreal, with attacks specifically targeting the Jewish community, are unacceptable.”
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante declared that such riots have no place in the city.
“The excesses of the demonstration last night are shocking and have no place in a peaceful metropolis like Montreal. Neither chaos, violence nor trouble towards merchants are tolerated, and I thank the [Montreal Police] for making several arrests yesterday,” she mentioned in a Nov. 23 post on X.
Chandra Philip and The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
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