Yesterday, true to its habit, the Montreal4Palestine group sought to take advantage of its weekly demonstration to hold an Islamic street prayer in front of Notre-Dame Basilica. But things did not go as planned.

Our comrades were on site. Along with other citizens, we held our ground.

The demonstrators ultimately had to pray on Saint-Jacques Street, set back and surrounded by police, while Quebec patriots occupied the basilica’s space. This was a first for the Islamic proselytes, who are unaccustomed to facing such firm opposition. In response to slogans chanted in English and displays of hostility toward our heritage, we made our patriotic songs resound across Place d’Armes.

Let us clarify, if necessary, that our presence should not be interpreted as indirect support for Zionism. What we did is not a stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We actively reject Islamic propaganda in front of our churches, period.

The escalation of ethnocultural tensions, in Quebec as elsewhere, does nothing to serve the cause of Palestinians in Gaza. If pro-Palestinian activists wish to regain the natural sympathy that French Canadian nationalists have historically extended to them, they should refrain from any provocation and from any gesture that could be perceived as an intent to invade through the imposition of their rituals.

We will always be present, with dignity, pride, and honor, our hearts free of all hatred.

Quebecers, if you abandon your public space, others, more determined, will seize it. Next time, let all patriots join the ranks. Let us, too, become tireless.