Hundreds of people crowded into a room at the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue Wednesday evening to listen to federal candidates debate.

The Mount Royal riding has been a safe Liberal seat for decades, but the Conservatives have been trying and failing to change that for several elections.

Many people in the diverse audience said they were undecided, and torn.

"I like Anthony Housefather very much because he's a wonderful mayor of Cote St. Luc, but I like Stephen Harper also," said one woman.

Wednesday's debate was organized by B'nai Brith, with organizer Steven Slimovitch emphasizing the importance of listening to candidates.

"It's very important when election time comes that the entire community come out and vote," he said.  

Many people in the riding, which has a large Jewish population, are concerned about how Canada treats Israel.

Liberal candidate Anthony Housefather said Liberal policy, and that of his leader Justin Trudeau, was clear.

"He said we are not changing our votes at the UN, we will have Israel's back," said Housefather.

Conservative candidate Robert Libman disagreed.

"To say that the Liberal party's positioning or stance on Israel is the same as Stephen Harper's Conservative party is really a stretch in many, many ways," he said.

NDP candidate Mario Jacinto Rimbao also declared his party's support.

"What we want to do is bring back that reputation of Canada into this situation to be a peace broker between a two-state solution," said Rimbao.

Emphasis on economy

Meyer Hart was one of many who is worried about the Canadian economy and wanted to hear concrete solutions.

"I'm 91 years old, I'm still working, I've paid my dues, I pay my unemployment insurance and everything else as if I were a 35 year old - and I'm taxed up to the gills," he said.

The NDP candidate promised help to small businesses in the riding.

Libman pointed out his party's promise to balance the budget after running deficits since 2008.

"When you're coming out of a recession you don't increase your debt. You keep taxes down and you balance the budget," he said.

The Liberals admit they will run deficits for three years to invest in infrastructure.

"Over $110 billion over 10 years that will stimulate not only jobs but will fix the horrible roads that we have in this riding," said Housefather.

Throughout the evening many people cheered various points being made.

Candidates now hope to keep up the interest and energy until voting day.