As the 24th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks approaches, reflections on that tragic day reveal a stark contrast to current events. In 2001, the attacks prompted a clear distinction between victims and perpetrators, good and evil. The immediate aftermath saw America grappling with unprecedented security challenges, leading to intense debates over military and policy responses. Despite widespread anti-war protests, there was a consensus on the revulsion toward al-Qaida and admiration for the passengers of Flight 93, who were viewed as heroes.

Fast forward to 2023, the landscape has shifted dramatically. The October 7 Hamas attack elicited a different reaction across the West. Celebrations erupted in cities like New York and Toronto, leading to months of protests. Today, “pro-Palestinian” demonstrations in Canada have been marked by the display of terrorist symbols. Mobs have gathered outside synagogues and Jewish establishments, creating an atmosphere of fear and hostility.

Cultural institutions have faced pressure to cancel events related to Israeli narratives, and public spaces have become sites of tension. Reports indicate that shopping in certain areas has become risky, and there are instances of women who joined ISIS receiving taxpayer-funded support upon their return. Chants supporting the Houthis, a group known for its violent rhetoric against the U.S. and Israel, have also been noted, yet mainstream society has largely remained silent.

This silence has led to a sense of indifference among many Canadians, as if these troubling events are merely a passing storm. The late U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan warned that societies can normalize deviant behavior, leading to a decline in moral standards. This erosion of boundaries is not coincidental; it has been fueled by what some refer to as the red-green alliance. This informal coalition between radical leftist groups and Islamist movements has emerged, united by their opposition to Western democracy, Israel, and Jewish communities.

Despite their differing ideologies, these groups have found common ground in mobilizing protests and providing cultural justifications for extremism. Progressive organizations have participated in this alliance, often overlooking the contradictions inherent in supporting regimes that are oppressive to women and minorities. In the name of “anti-colonial resistance,” some progressives have romanticized violence, abandoning the liberal values they typically advocate.

The red-green alliance manifests in shared slogans, narratives, and tactics, including vandalism of Jewish businesses and confrontations with law enforcement. Their influence extends to union resolutions, opinion pieces, and social media campaigns that mislead the public about the realities of these movements. As protests continue, the challenge remains for society to confront these issues and reaffirm the values that once defined the response to terrorism.