Canada Denies Entry to Several Critics of Israeli Policy

Several international speakers invited to the Muslim Association of Canada annual convention in Toronto encountered heightened immigration scrutiny over the weekend. MAC reported that some participants had electronic travel authorizations delayed for months or cancelled shortly before travel.

Others had visas revoked without prior notice. Several individuals were questioned for hours at Toronto Pearson Airport and were reportedly denied water and a space to pray during the process.

African ambassador to the United States Ebrahim Rasool was among those affected. He described the questioning as reminiscent of apartheid-era interrogations, though conducted in a less coercive manner. British commentator Anas Altikriti spent 11 hours under questioning before deciding not to enter Canada.

Both individuals had previously criticized Israeli policy toward Gaza. Earlier this year, French member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan was denied entry ahead of scheduled events in Montreal. In November, former United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Falk and his wife Hilal Elver were detained and questioned for hours at the same airport before attending a Palestine Tribunal event in Ottawa.

MAC described the treatment as deliberate and coordinated.

Officials reportedly suggested that some individuals posed a threat to Canadian national security. The organization noted that the affected speakers had been publicly critical of Israeli policy or involved in Palestine-related advocacy. Several pro-Israel advocacy groups had campaigned against the invited speakers in the days before the convention.

MAC stated that the convention itself focused on topics including spirituality, parenting, mental health and civic engagement. The group reported strong attendance despite the entry difficulties faced by some participants.