Montreal man sues city over arrest while holding Israeli flag

Daniel Bercovici, a 47-year-old Montreal man, has filed a lawsuit against the city and four police officers seeking $86,301 in compensatory and punitive damages. The suit follows his arrest during the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on September 14, 2025.

Bercovici alleges that he was attending the event peacefully to support the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team, which was being targeted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The lawsuit claims that officers confronted him without provocation, used excessive force to take him to the ground, and conducted an unlawful search. While officers accused him of taunting and aggressively brandishing his flag, Bercovici maintains his conduct was peaceful.

A charge of obstructing a peace officer was later withdrawn by a prosecutor in July 2026 after reviewing video evidence and injury photographs. Montreal police have declined to comment on the matter as the case is currently before the court.