Mallie Mai Abdulhadi, a 39-year-old business owner, has been identified as the individual caught on video performing a Nazi salute and making anti-Semitic remarks during a pro-Palestine demonstration at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.
The incident, which occurred last Thursday, captured Abdulhadi taunting pro-Israel counter-protesters while partially concealing her identity with a keffiyeh, medical mask, and sunglasses.
Her chilling words, referencing the Holocaust-era “Final Solution,” sparked outrage and condemnation.
Disturbing Historical Context
Abdulhadi’s remarks about the “Final Solution,” the Nazi regime’s systematic plan to exterminate Jews during World War II, were unequivocally alarming.
This historical reference to genocide further amplified the backlash against her actions.
Connection to Jewish General Hospital Cafés
Abdulhadi’s identity was swiftly uncovered on social media, revealing her as the co-owner of two kosher-certified Second Cup Café franchises located within Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital.
These cafés, certified by the Jewish Community Council of Montreal, have now become a focal point of the controversy.
Immediate Corporate Response
Second Cup Canada, the parent company of the cafés, responded decisively.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the company denounced Abdulhadi’s actions and announced the termination of her franchise agreement.
“This franchisee’s actions are a breach of our agreement and violate our core values of inclusion and community,” the company declared.
In coordination with the hospital, the café locations were shut down, and arrangements were made to retain and compensate staff until new management is in place.
Hospital and Community Reactions
The Jewish General Hospital expressed full support for Second Cup’s decision, emphasizing the importance of swift action in addressing the issue.
Hospital staff members voiced mixed reactions, with some expressing shock over Abdulhadi’s behavior and others recounting prior discomfort with her pro-Palestine expressions.
Civil Rights Advocacy and Calls for Legal Action
Amir Epstein, executive director of the Jewish civil rights group Tafsik, highlighted the accountability Abdulhadi faced, labeling her actions morally reprehensible.
Epstein criticized the lack of legal consequences so far, urging Montreal police to take action under hate crime laws.
While giving a Nazi salute is not a standalone criminal offense in Canada, it can contribute to charges of public incitement or willful promotion of hatred, both carrying penalties of up to two years in prison.
Political and Diplomatic Outrage
Canadian politicians and advocates have also condemned the incident.
Israeli Consul General Idit Shamir and Senator Leo Housakos applauded Second Cup’s decisive action, while pushing for stronger law enforcement responses.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs emphasized the need for immediate action, calling Abdulhadi’s public hate speech intolerable.
Abdulhadi’s Background and Current Status
Abdulhadi, a Concordia University graduate with a marketing degree, previously worked in various roles, including at a consulting firm in Ramallah, Palestine.
Following the incident, she deleted her social media presence, changing her Facebook profile photo to solid black and posting an Arabic phrase meaning “everything is great.”
Broader Implications and Next Steps
The incident has reignited debates about hate speech, accountability, and the role of law enforcement in addressing public displays of hatred.
While Second Cup’s actions have been widely praised, calls for criminal prosecution remain loud and persistent.
The resolution of this case will likely influence how similar incidents are handled in the future.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn