New Democrat Member of Ontario Parliament Apologizes for Controversial Statement on Israel-Hamas Conflict
A New Democrat member of Ontario’s provincial parliament, Sarah Jama, has issued an apology for a statement she made about the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Although she did not retract her statement, as demanded by NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Jama expressed her regret and acknowledged the pain felt by Jewish and Israeli Canadians. In her original statement, Jama criticized the occupation of Palestine and denounced what she called apartheid and human rights violations in Gaza. However, she failed to mention the attack on Israel by Hamas militants, which has been described as the worst civilian massacre in the country’s history.
Jama’s statement, which was not approved by the caucus, sparked a wave of backlash, with Premier Doug Ford calling for her resignation. Several Jewish groups also demanded her removal from the NDP caucus. Stiles publicly asked Jama to retract her statement and condemn violence against both Israeli and Palestinian people. After facing pressure for nearly 24 hours, Jama posted a new statement on social media expressing her understanding of the concerns raised and apologizing for any pain caused. She clarified that she unequivocally condemns terrorism by Hamas against Israeli civilians but believes that Israel’s bombardment and siege on Gaza civilians, as noted by the United Nations, is wrong.
Jama’s original statement was deemed harmful to Jewish people and did not reflect the party’s position, according to Stiles. However, Stiles recognized the personal impact this situation has had on Jama as someone with Palestinian family members. She reiterated that all caucus members condemn Hamas’ terror attacks and stand in support of the federal NDP’s call for an end to further bloodshed. The conflict and Israel’s response in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 2,200 people thus far.
Premier Ford accused the Ontario NDP of tolerating hateful views and actions by keeping Jama in their caucus and called for her immediate resignation. Jewish organizations, including the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, also expressed their dismay and urged Stiles to remove Jama from the caucus. They argued that her comments not only reflect poorly on the Ontario NDP but also undermine the party’s values and principles.
Jama faced criticism from Jewish groups during her byelection campaign earlier this year, with accusations of being a radical anti-Israel advocate. She clarified that her advocacy centered around standing up for Palestinian human rights and her past association with student groups involved in events such as Israeli Apartheid Week, which should not be conflated with anti-Semitism.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees’ Ontario branch also faced public condemnation due to statements made by its president, Fred Hahn. Jama reposted a statement from the union, which has been targeted by a pro-Israel lobby seeking to control the anti-Palestinian narrative and silence those who recognize Palestinians’ rights under international law.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow faced difficulties in crafting her own statement on the conflict, initially condemning Hamas’ attack, then acknowledging Palestinian pain, and finally expressing condolences for innocent Israelis and Palestinians.
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