Montreal

With pride and joy, and under the patronage of the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal (ICS-Montreal) and Bandaly Digital Studio, artist Adi Bandaly and media personality Victor Diab presented a special evening titled “The World is a Mother”, in celebration of Mother’s Day—an exceptional night where art, poetry, and music came together.

The event was brought to life by the talented Adi Bandaly, and hosted by the distinguished presenters Victor Diab and Maria Maroun, with the presence of poets Hettaf Souqi Sadeq and Jean Karam, along with a select group of notable figures and respected community members in Montreal. The evening also featured a beautiful performance by Lara, a gifted qanun player, who added a magical touch with her elegant music.

The evening was filled with touching and joyful moments as mothers in the audience deeply connected with the melodies and words—they were the stars of the night and the essence of its beauty.
A heartfelt message from the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal was also shared by our colleague Intisar Al-Naseri, expressing love and gratitude to every mother.

The event concluded with the traditional Iraqi Joubah dance, which energized the crowd and drew enthusiastic participation, marking a lively and unforgettable end to a memorable evening.

The magic of the night was further enriched by the presence of creative photographer Hisham Al-Ghadhban, who accompanied us with his lens, capturing the most beautiful moments with an artistic and inspired eye.

Wishing all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day!

Together, we always celebrate the mother—the symbol of giving and love.

"Hanim" Concert – Rania Jamal Lights Up Montreal Montreal

April 11, 2025 – Iraqi-born singer Rania Jamal captivated audiences with her concert “Hanem” at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, Concordia University, under the musical direction of Gaby Botros.
The event was presented by Music Without Borders, with community support from the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal.

Rania performed timeless classics by legendary Arab divas including Fairuz, Asmahan, Shadia, Sabah, Warda, Mayada El Hennawy, and Umm Kulthum.
The concert also honored the Iraqi Canadian Society for its role in enriching Montreal’s Arab cultural scene.

After the show, Rania joyfully joined her audience in singing beloved Iraqi songs, creating a heartfelt and nostalgic atmosphere.

Canadian Society in Montreal hosted a special Iraqi Ramadan evening

On the evening of Saturday, April 15, 2025, the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal hosted a special Iraqi Ramadan evening, attended by a remarkable gathering from the Iraqi and Arab communities. The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Sadiq Al-Yasiri, Acting Consul of the Iraqi Consulate in Montreal, along with his family, as well as Member of Parliament Mr. Sameer Zuberi, who expressed his admiration for the gathering and praised this beautiful Ramadan tradition.

Guests enjoyed a delicious Iftar featuring authentic Iraqi and Arab dishes, shared in a warm, family-oriented atmosphere that evoked memories of Ramadan evenings in Iraq and added a nostalgic touch to the night.

The evening featured a variety of special segments, including a storytelling session by our colleague Ali Al-Khayyat, who captivated the audience with tales reflecting the spirit of Iraqi heritage. Our colleague Harith Mashkoor led an engaging segment of Ramadan riddles and trivia, covering religious, cultural, and social themes that sparked enthusiastic participation from attendees. Traditional Ramadan songs also added a special charm to the evening.

The celebration continued with a vibrant display of authentic Iraqi folklore. Children and families took part in the beloved “Majina” tradition, which filled the space with joy and warmth.

The evening concluded with the traditional game of Mheibes, which was a highlight for many and brought a fun, interactive end to the festivities.

A heartfelt thank you to all members, friends, and esteemed guests who contributed to the success of this memorable Ramadan night. It was truly a family evening filled with love and cherished memories.

A Thought-Provoking Cultural Evening on the Implications of the US–Canada Economic and Political Conflict

As part of its distinctive cultural activities, the Iraqi Canadian Society – Montreal organized an enriching cultural evening titled “Implications of the American–Canadian Economic and Political Conflict”, with the participation of both Iraqi and Canadian communities. The event was attended by a diverse audience representing various Arab communities.

The Society hosted Professor Edward Dunsworth from McGill University, Department of History and Classical Studies, who delivered a comprehensive historical review of the Canada–USA relationship, culminating with President Donald Trump’s statements about imposing a 25% tariff and threatening to annex Canada as the 51st state.

This was followed by an insightful contribution from Dr. Thamer Al‑Saffar, a writer, researcher, and translator specializing in philosophy, globalization, and environmental issues, who joined via Zoom. He examined the economic and political dynamics between the two nations and their global implications.

The evening was rich in interactive discussions between the lecturers and the audience, with questions and commentary that deepened understanding of the political and economic impacts arising from the Canada–USA relationship.

At the end of the event, the lecturers were honored with certificates of thanks and appreciation for their valuable contributions. Special thanks go to our colleague Ali Al‑Khayat for his excellent moderation and seamless translation, facilitating smooth communication between the guest and the attendees. We also extend our gratitude to the distinguished participants from various organizations and those attending online.

Thank you to everyone who participated and enriched this evening, whether in person or via Zoom. You are the reason this event was a successful and fruitful one!

Final Statement Issued by the Second Conference of the Iraqi-Canadian Society – Montreal January 25, 2025

Under the slogan:

“All efforts for the unity of the Iraqi community and strengthening ties with the homeland”

The Iraqi-Canadian Association – Montreal held its second conference on January 25, 2025, with the participation of the general assembly, the branch’s administrative body, and supervision from the central committee. The conference began with a moment of silence in honor of martyrs, followed by the Iraqi national anthem. The branch secretary delivered a welcoming speech, expressing pride in the event and emphasizing the association’s vital role in serving the Iraqi community and preserving its identity and culture.

The conference reaffirmed its commitment to the association’s mission of supporting the community, fostering connections between Iraqi and Canadian cultures, and engaging youth to strengthen their scientific and cultural standing. It also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned violence against civilians in Gaza and other regions.

During the event, administrative and financial reports were discussed transparently, and distinguished members were honored for their efforts. The previous administrative body was dissolved, and a new team was elected, including a representative from Sherbrooke:

• Antisar Al-Nasiry

• Zainab Mohamed Ali (Sherbrooke Representative)

• Yasser Al-Ward

• Hareth Mashkoor

• Saeed Al-Taher

• Mohamed Al-Nadawi

• Atheer Sabri

The newly elected body reappointed Antisar Al-Nasiri as branch president and Yasser Al-Ward as vice president.

In conclusion, the conference congratulated the association members on the event’s success and pledged to continue working towards progress, serving the Iraqi community in Quebec, and enhancing its role within Canadian society.

The Second Conference of the Iraqi-Canadian Association – Montreal

Our gathering was renewed at the “Istikan chai ” café, in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, where the melodies of Iraqi folklore drifted through the air, evoking a sense of longing for home and adding a special touch to the environment. The evening began with a series of historical and artistic questions, which were well-received by all attendees, infusing the event with excitement and a sense of challenge that made it even more lively and engaging.

As the tables were adorned with the most delicious Iraqi dishes prepared by kind hands, the atmosphere was filled with generosity and optimism, creating a sense of joy and camaraderie among the guests. The fun continued with various activities, from board games and dominos to cards and chess and a riddle program, as well as rounds of traditional Iraqi games that brought a unique flavor to the evening.

The event concluded with a free raffle and the distribution of prizes to the winners, adding an extra layer of fun and interaction. It was a special gathering of our Iraqi community, along with members of other Arab communities, who all came together to make this event a memorable success.

We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this wonderful occasion. A special thanks goes to our talented photographer, Hisham Al-Ghadan, for his excellent coverage of the event with his remarkable photos. We look forward to another beautiful gathering and an even greater contribution in the future.

First Season of Workshop to Support Emerging Projects

The Iraqi-Canadian Society-Montreal (ICS-MONTREAL), in collaboration with its partner Desjardins, organized the first season of a workshop to support emerging projects. The event was attended by a joyful gathering of entrepreneurs who shared their inspiring experiences and showcased a diverse range of products. This diversity, spanning fields of science, art, economics, and various professions, added a unique touch to the evening and had a significant impact on encouraging talents, especially among women and youth.

The workshop included a lecture from our partner Desjardins on the mechanisms of starting projects and methods of support, which sparked a positive interaction among attendees.

On this occasion, the Iraqi-Canadian Society-Montreal extends its sincere gratitude to its partner Desjardins for the valuable information presented during the lecture. The association also expresses deep appreciation to the participating entrepreneurs, whose outstanding contributions were truly a source of pride to have such talents within our society.

Thanks are also extended to all members of the society who attended and greatly contributed to the success of the evening through their presence and engagement throughout the event.

*. Thanks to photographer Hisham for the photo coverage.

A Successful Workshop for Startup Support by the Iraqi Canadian Society – Montreal and Desjardins

The Iraqi Canadian Society – Montreal, in collaboration with its partner Desjardins, organized a workshop supporting startups in its first edition. The event was attended by an enthusiastic group of entrepreneurs who shared their inspiring stories and presented a diverse array of products. This diversity, spanning fields of science, art, business, and freelance professions, added a special flair to the evening and significantly encouraged talented individuals, especially women and youth.

The workshop featured a lecture by Desjardins on how to establish ventures and ways to support them, sparking lively and positive interactions from the audience.

On this occasion, the Iraqi Canadian Society – Montreal would like to express its sincere gratitude to its partner, Desjardins, for the valuable information presented during the lecture. The Society also deeply appreciates the participating entrepreneurs, whose remarkable efforts made the evening a source of pride, highlighting the wealth of talent within its membership.

Thanks are also extended to all the Society members and attendees, who played a significant role in making this event a success through their active presence and engagement throughout the evening.

We look forward to seeing you at future events, as we continue to offer enriching, inspiring, and unique educational, artistic, and cultural experiences.
Special thanks to photographer Hisham Al‑Ghadban for capturing the moments of the event.

The Iraqi Canadian Society – Montreal supports the youth in showcasing their presence and strengthening the Iraqi Student Society at McGill. We wish all our Iraqi students the best in all their endeavors.

Here are some photos from the “Activity Night” event that took place over two days at McGill University.

On the occasion of the beginning of the school year, Family Day and Canadian Labor Day, the Iraqi Canadian Society – Montreal organized a recreational family trip to (Centre de la nature) Laval. It was attended by Iraqis from different generations, in addition to a group of young people from the Iraqi Students Association at McGill University, in an atmosphere full of joy and communication.

Despite the intermittent rain, the attendees enjoyed many of the various recreational activities that were prepared in the park, in addition to the activities organized by the association for the participants. Everyone also tasted Iraqi dishes and sweets, and the event ended with ice cream, of course with tea, coffee and Iraqi music that added a special flavor.

The children enjoyed the playtime and the trip activities. We thank everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event, and we look forward to seeing you at the next event, God willing.

Highlights from the Iraqi Tent at the 2024 Oriental Festival in Montreal

A selection of moments from the Iraqi Tent at the 2024 Oriental Festival in Montreal. Despite the challenging conditions of rain, flooding, and electrical outages, the tent was bustling with life — thanks to the cooperation and efforts of the community members, each from their position.

Iraqi Canadian Society of Montreal Participation in the Arab-Canadian Book Fair 2024

Over the course of two remarkable days, the Iraqi Canadian Society of Montreal participated in the Arab-Canadian Book Fair — an enriching and fruitful experience that significantly contributed to intellectual growth and strengthened the cultural connections between writers, thinkers, and audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The First Day featured an opening address from the Society, followed by interactive meetings with readers and authors, where various literary and cultural topics were discussed. The event also included book launch sessions and signing opportunities, creating a distinctive atmosphere of enthusiasm and direct interaction between writers and their audience:

•Book Launch: “Memoirs of a Palestinian Refugee”

Author: Ahmad Ali

Moderators: Dr. Thamer Al-Saffar and Dr. Nadia Tawfiq

•Book Launch: “The Women of Al‑Mahrousa”

Moderated by architect and novelist Hind Mariza

The Second Day built upon the success of the first, featuring interactive meetings, deep conversations, and lively debates that explored a range of literary, cultural, and philosophical topics. The day was a testament to the Book Fair’s role as a unique space for dialogue and intellectual exchange:

•Panel Discussion: Marxist Philosophy and Ecology

Author: Dr. Thamer Al‑Saffar | Moderated by Dr. Kalman Al‑Jalabi

•Panel Discussion: Electronic Exploitation

Author and Activist: Hanaa Al‑Ramli | Moderated by Visual Artist Sura Basheer

•Book Launch: “The Season of High Times”

Author: Yasser Abdel Latif | Moderated by Ms. Mithal Al‑Rubaie

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our colleagues who skillfully led the discussions and seminars — Ms. Hind Mariza, Dr. Kalman Al‑Jalabi, Ms. Sura Basheer, Ms. Mithal Al‑Rubaie, and special thanks to Dr. Thamer Al‑Saffar for stepping in and ensuring the seamless continuation of the program. We also thank all organizers, participants, and attendees for their efforts and valuable contribution in making this important cultural event a resounding success.

Together, we continue to support cultural dialogue and to highlight the role of books as bridges for understanding and conversation between civilizations.

The Iraqi Canadian Society of Montreal Celebrates Eid al‑Fitr with a Festive Family Gathering

The Iraqi Canadian Society of Montreal celebrated Eid al‑Fitr with a festive gathering that brought together members of the Iraqi community and guests from various Arab communities, creating a warm and welcoming family atmosphere at Istikan Chai Café.

The event featured a variety of activities, including games, music, and coloring sessions for children, making it a special day dedicated to their joy. The celebration concluded with a bingo game and the distribution of Eid gifts, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the little ones and a memorable celebration for all.

The Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal held its annual and well-attended Ramadan Iftar evening, with a large number of members and their esteemed guests from various communities. The attendance exceeded the capacity of the hall, and attendees enjoyed delicious Iraqi and Arab iftar meals in a warm family atmosphere that brought back memories of our Iraqi Ramadan evenings.

The evening commenced with a minute of silence in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Following this, the program was opened and presented by the branch’s Vice President, colleague Yasser Alward.

This was followed by a speech from the Society’s President, colleague Antisar Al-Nasiri.

In the storytelling segment, our colleagues Harith Mashkur and Ali Al-Khayyat accompanied us with captivating Baghdad stories, enjoyed by all present.

This was followed by a segment of ancient Iraqi folklore, “Majinah,” where colleagues Saeed Al-Tahir, Mohammed Jawad, Lina Mahdi, Rawaa Al-Tajir, Ban Al-Naimi, and Shaimaa Al-Dajili simulated the roles of parents, engaging children in the activity and distributing sweets to participants, emphasizing the importance of instilling our authentic Iraqi traditions in the hearts of our beloved children.

As Ramadan nights are incomplete without the famous Iraqi game of “Mahibis,” all attendees participated in the game, creating a wonderful atmosphere of challenges and competition to the tunes of the most beautiful Baghdad squares.

The evening concluded with the Suhoor segment, led by our children with great enthusiasm and interaction, adding immense joy to the hearts of all attendees as they witnessed this great interaction with our heritage by the children.

In our commitment to a clean and pollution-free world, our entire evening was environmentally friendly, with all the tools used as a small contribution to reducing materials harmful to our planet and expressing a high sense of responsibility.

This event was covered by the distinguished team of Omni Television, presented by the outstanding journalist Noelle Hajjar.

Many thanks and appreciation to the gracious attendees for their participation, which greatly contributed to the success of the evening.