
An Evening of Solidarity with Gaza – Art, Words & Humanity United
The Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal Contributes to the Success of the First Montreal Book Fair
With great pride and honor, the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal was one of the key sponsors of the first-ever Montreal Book Fair, an event that witnessed remarkable and diverse participation from the Arab community in the city.
Attendees left the fair enriched with cultural companionship, many holding on to their new books as if they had won precious treasures.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Montreal Book Fair organizers for providing this valuable opportunity for the Arab community in Montreal to engage with some of the finest literary and cultural works.
iraqi canadian society mother's day celebration 2025
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
First Season of Workshop to Support Emerging Projects
A Successful Workshop for Startup Support by the Iraqi Canadian Society – Montreal and Desjardins
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.
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
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.
Annual Celebration Honoring the Legacy of Zaha Hadid
Book Club Monthly Gathering – A Conversation on “Ya Maryam” by Sinan Antoon
“Ya Maryam” by Sinan Antoon is a powerful novel that rises to the level of a social study and a poignant documentation of gender- and religion-based violence, told through an artistic and deeply human narrative. By portraying a single event through the eyes of two generations, the author skillfully explores identity, trauma, and memory. His bold choice to write dialogue in the Iraqi dialect added authenticity and emotional depth to the storytelling.
Today, this remarkable novel was the subject of a rich and engaging discussion during the latest session of our monthly Book Club gathering, held in Montreal and attended by participants from across the Arab world.
Through this unique literary experience, we lit another candle in the ongoing journey of cultural dialogue and intellectual engagement within our community.
“Istikan Chai” Gathering – A Taste of Home and Heritage
With the warmth of Iraqi hearts that embrace everyone, our gathering today brought us together once again under the title “Jay Khana – Istikan Chai”, accompanied by the vibrant sounds of Iraqi folklore and the flavors of delicious homemade Iraqi dishes, lovingly prepared by generous hands.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and friendly competition, as participants enjoyed rounds of traditional Iraqi games, creating laughter and connection among a wonderful mix of attendees from the Iraqi community and other Arab communities.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this beautiful new initiative.
Until we meet again… for another gathering, and an even greater challenge.
Towards Sustainable Health – A Public Seminar on Nutrition and Healthy Weight
As part of its ongoing commitment to community well-being, the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal organized a public educational seminar titled:
“Foundations of Nutrition and Healthy Weight”,
presented by Dr. Nizar Hammoud Shafiq.
The event welcomed an engaged audience from the Iraqi and broader Arab community, and included a rich discussion on the causes and consequences of obesity, evidence-based solutions, and an exploration of popular diets—distinguishing between facts and misconceptions.
The seminar also featured an overview of the Canadian Food Guide, with informative printed materials distributed to attendees. Dr. Shafiq addressed several questions from the audience during the open discussion.
The event concluded with a certificate of appreciation and a bouquet of flowers presented to the speaker on behalf of the Iraqi Canadian Society, in recognition of his valuable contribution.
A Night of Art and Dialogue – Exploring the Social Impact of Visual Arts
Book Club Discussion – “Preachers of the Sultan” by Dr. Ali Al-Wardi
With active engagement, thoughtful participation, and a critical approach to applying theory to lived reality, the Book Club of the Iraqi Canadian Society – Montreal successfully completed a rich and in-depth discussion of the influential book “Preachers of the Sultan” by Dr. Ali Al-Wardi.
The session began with a reading of the author’s biography, followed by a comprehensive presentation of the book’s themes and structure. Members explored each chapter, with a particular focus on the most controversial and thought-provoking sections.
The discussion concluded with individual reflections shared by participants, which added new dimensions and significantly enriched the collective conversation.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the members who contributed to the success of this event through their insights and active participation.
Drawing Workshop for Children – Pencil Art & Creative Expression
The Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal organized a hands-on educational art workshop focused on the basics of pencil drawing for children, led by the talented visual artist Sara Basheer.
The workshop included an important introduction to light and shadow techniques, and offered a unique and enjoyable experience that combined art with the vibrant energy of the younger generation.
Despite the snowstorm, the event saw a remarkably strong and joyful turnout, marking a successful and promising start to our programming for the new year.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to artist Sara Basheer for her exceptional teaching and dedication. Special appreciation goes to young Celia Al-Obaidi for assisting with the children throughout the session.
We also thank our colleague Bashar Mashkoor (CM Automobile) for his kind support of this initiative.
A sincere thank you to all the children and parents who attended and helped make this event a success.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming activities as we continue to offer creative, inspiring, and educational experiences for our community.
Engagement with the Iraqi Consulate – Representing Community Needs
In response to an invitation from the General Consulate of Iraq in Montreal, and in the presence of the Chargé d’Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy in Ottawa, a delegation from the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal participated in a productive meeting alongside members of the Iraqi community.
During the discussion, the delegation presented a clear vision and set of proposals reflecting the community’s current situation and its pressing needs, with an emphasis on facilitating consular services for Iraqi residents in Canada.
This participation reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to advocating for the interests of the community, and its readiness to maintain communication and cooperation with Iraqi diplomatic missions—serving the public good in line with the size, presence, and significance of the Iraqi community in Canada.
An Evening of Poetry and Nostalgia with Issa Hassan Al-Yasiri
On Saturday, August 26, the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal hosted a deeply moving and poetic evening featuring the esteemed Iraqi poet Issa Hassan Al-Yasiri, whose timeless verses carried the audience on a journey between nostalgia and exile, evoking the spirit of homeland and memory.
The evening opened with the joyous announcement of a new partnership with Desjardins Group, followed by a welcoming speech delivered by Mr. Hassanain Sami, representing the organization.
The atmosphere was spiritual and culturally rich, made even more special by the presence of many of the poet’s friends, including writers, artists, and journalists—among them, Mr. Farid Zamakhel, editor-in-chief of Al-Risala magazine.
The program also featured a musical performance by singer Eddy Bendaly, whose engaging voice brought delight and energy to the audience.
A book signing session highlighted some of the poet’s most significant works, followed by a tribute and farewell with flowers in honor of our beloved guest, Professor Al-Yasiri.
We express our sincere gratitude to the team behind the event, especially artist Sara Basheer for skillfully moderating the session, and media professional Victor Diab for preparing a documentary video about the poet.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all attendees and contributors who helped bring this gathering to life with such warmth and joy.
We look forward to future cultural encounters to continue celebrating art, poetry, and Iraqi identity.
Iraqi Holiday Gathering – Montreal Chapter Celebration
Our heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation go to everyone who attended the festive celebration hosted by the Montreal chapter of the Iraqi Canadian Society.
“Iraqi Holiday Gathering” was a unique and joyful event that brought together the spirit of multiple celebrations—from traditional wedding zaffa to birthdays and warm holiday greetings—all shared with love and a beautiful sense of unity.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all those who contributed to the success of this event. As always, our Montreal team continues to grow in dedication and collaboration, with more and more members joining the effort each time.
A special thank you goes to the primary sponsors and supporters of the event, whose contributions were key to making this joyful celebration possible.
Highlights from the Joint Seminar: “Islamophobia – Myth and Reality”
An Iraqi Ramadan Night – A Warm Community Gathering
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal hosted a vibrant and heartwarming Iraqi Ramadan evening, where we joyfully gathered to share iftar with some of the most beloved traditional Iraqi dishes and Ramadan sweets.
Our evening was enriched by colleague Ali, who delighted us with stories and a beautiful presentation of Iraqi Ramadan customs and traditions, along with nostalgic Ramadan songs that brought joy to all attendees.
To conclude the night, we embraced the true flavor of Iraqi Ramadan with the traditional “Meheibes” game, a cultural treasure that brought energy, fun, and wide smiles—charming guests of all ages.
We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to all members, friends, and guests who contributed to making this Ramadan evening a success. It truly felt like one big family gathering.
🌙 Ramadan Mubarak, and may the season bring blessings to all.
Celebrating Women’s Day & Our Anniversary – A Cultural Evening Honoring Creative Arab Women
Cultural Family Screening – “Front of the Class” & Community Dialogue
In line with its commitment to education and cultural awareness, the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal held a community cultural event on Saturday, February 4, 2023, featuring the screening of the inspiring family film
“Front of the Class”.
The film tells the powerful story of a young man living with Tourette Syndrome and his determination to overcome societal challenges in pursuit of personal and professional success.
Following the screening, a group discussion was held with children and families, led by Dr. Arwa Al-Yasiri, who skillfully facilitated a conversation around the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette Syndrome, and the importance of inclusion, empathy, and perseverance.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the children and their families, whose bright presence and thoughtful participation truly enriched the event.
New Year Celebration – Iraqi Canadian Society, Montreal Chapter
Cultural Evening – “The Impact of Climate Change in Iraq”
📅 Friday, December 16, 2022
📍 Hosted by the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal
The Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal held a compelling cultural evening titled
“The Impact of Climate Change in Iraq,”
featuring Iraqi environmental journalist Khalid Suleiman, and moderated by media professional Victor Diab.
Mr. Suleiman delivered an engaging and insightful presentation on the importance of water, the factors contributing to climate change, and the shared responsibility of citizens and government in preserving the environment in Iraq.
He also addressed the causes and consequences of drought across the Arab region and the Middle East, offering detailed context and valuable data.
Despite harsh winter conditions in Montreal, the event drew a dedicated audience from the Iraqi and wider Arab community. The session was enriched by thoughtful questions and interactive discussions, adding a dynamic and meaningful atmosphere to the evening.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all attendees whose presence and engagement played a key role in the success of the event.
📸 Photography by: Hisham Al-Ghadhban
Cultural & Artistic Evening – “The Freedom Monument: Symbols and Meanings”
📅 Saturday, November 19, 2022
📍 Hosted by the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal
The Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal organized a rich and engaging cultural and artistic evening titled:
“The Freedom Monument: Symbols and Meanings,”
presented by renowned Iraqi visual artist Muwaffaq Nehmeh, and moderated by media professional Victor Diab.
In his distinctive and captivating style, Mr. Nehmeh shared historical insights about the origins of the monument, designed in the aftermath of the July 14, 1958 Revolution, as a symbol of the Iraqi people’s struggle and, more broadly, the aspirations of Arab nations.
He highlighted the artistic and technical brilliance of the late master Jawad Selim, offering in-depth details on the monument’s symbolism, design process, and construction techniques.
The evening was attended by members of the Iraqi and Arab communities in Montreal, and featured a dynamic Q&A session, which enriched the event and fostered a deeper appreciation of Iraq’s modern artistic heritage.
We extend our sincere thanks to all who attended and contributed to the success of this memorable evening.
📸 Photography by: Hisham Al-Ghadhban