In the U.S., courts are currently debating the boundaries of free speech, particularly in cases involving violent protests in support of Hamas terrorism. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, is awaiting trial for allegedly coordinating violent protests targeting Jewish students and community members. He is invoking his First Amendment rights, raising questions about whether hate and violent behavior are protected under free speech laws.

Similar violent protests occurred in Canada during the Gaza war, with shootings at Jewish schools and vandalization of businesses and synagogues. The lax approach of city police forces in maintaining order allowed these actions to occur, despite the fact that a majority of Canadians do not support Hamas. Events like Al Quds Day, which originated in Iran with anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans, continue to take place in Canada, raising questions about their alignment with Canadian values.

The authors, directors of the Council of Muslims Against Antisemitism, warn that events like Al Quds Day serve as a platform for spreading hate and potentially inciting terrorism. They urge U.S. and Canadian authorities to be vigilant in addressing violent protests and hate speech, particularly when they involve support for terrorist organizations like Hamas.