Organizers of Saint John’s annual multicultural festival have announced they’re restoring last year’s format, which saw an incident linked to the Gaza conflict, followed by arrests and criminal charges being laid against a father and his teenage son.
The Saint John Newcomers Centre says it’s bringing back the cultural village where registered participants can fly their country’s flag and host decorated booths to showcase their heritage, talents and stories.
That decision quickly prompted public opposition from a coalition of pro-Palestinian groups who said, in an open letter, that allowing any Israeli political representation would send “a harmful and deeply insensitive message” and risk further harm to community relations and public safety.
Last year, police were called to the Israel booth, after pro-Palestinian protesters made an appearance — some wearing hoods over their heads and others dressed in army green, including a person who carried a water gun.
Bystander video posted on social media, and verified by CBC News, shows tensions escalating. People can be heard chanting loudly and screaming at police. Two individuals were handcuffed and taken away.
A 45-year-old man now faces a charge of assault, and his 16-year-old son is charged with mischief, for allegedly damaging an Israeli flag and the Israel booth, according to court documents.
Past strife ‘hard on everybody,’ organizer says
The non-profit Saint John Newcomers Centre, which received $61,000 from the federal government to support the festival in 2025 and 2026, said the incident was regrettable.
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