The Jewish community in Edmonton has expressed deep outrage at Mayor Amarjeet Sohi’s comments regarding the recent Israel-Gaza war, demanding an apology for his statements. In response to the regrettable attack by the terrorist group Hamas during the past weekend, Sohi released a statement acknowledging the real and serious impact the violence is having upon civilians on both sides of the conflict.
In his statement, Sohi emphasized the horrifying nature of the attacks taking place in both Israel and Gaza, with innocent civilians being the unfortunate targets. He further mentioned on Tuesday that the terrorist assault by Hamas and Israel’s resultant counteraction have resulted in the tragic deaths and injuries of hundreds of innocent individuals in the region.
However, Stacey Leavitt-Wright, the leader of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, criticized Sohi’s remarks as being equivalent to a ‘sucker punch’, given the harsh and unprovoked actions perpetrated by Hamas, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by Canada and numerous other Western countries. The Jewish community is currently reeling in shock and fear, indignant at Hamas’s recent assault on Israeli residents.
In a statement to the local media, Leavitt-Wright voiced the gravely unfortunate fact that the assault witnessed the largest number of Jewish civilian casualties since the time of the Holocaust, a chilling reminder of an immensely tragic past.
In a symbol of unity and support for those affected in Israel, the Edmonton Jewish community held a moving vigil on Monday night. The service underscored the collective strength and empathy amid the grim echoes of the recent attack that has ignited a war.
Duane Bratt, a political scientist interviewed by CTV News Edmonton, opined that Mayor Sohi’s statement was a misguided attempt to recognize the suffering endured by both sides of the conflict, especially in the aftermath of a dreadful terror strike by Hamas.
The Jewish Federation, deeply disappointed and looking for a stronger stance from Sohi, is urging for both an apology and standoff of his comments. Amidst mounting pressure to address the issue, Mayor Sohi held a media conference at City Hall. Here, he reiterated his prior comments, expressing his belief in standing by Edmonton’s residents, both of Jewish and Palestinian backgrounds, rather than diving into complex global issues usually beyond the capacity of a mayor’s office.
Mayor Sohi extended an apology to the Jewish Federation for his unfortunate absence at Monday’s vigil, reaffirming his dedication towards supporting Edmonton’s diverse population.
