The head of the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Ontario is urging a party member to rescind a statement made concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict, asserting it had not received endorsement from the party’s caucus.
Sarah Jama, an MPP for Hamilton Centre, released a statement via X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday, in which she called attention to the escalating situation in the Middle East. Jama pondered her role as a political player in Canada’s colonial system and suggested that her peers should do the same.
Her statement featured an appeal for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation. Jama stressed the importance of ending the occupation of Palestinian territories and bringing a halt to apartheid as a means of addressing the continuous cycle of devastation and loss of life.
However, Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP leader, stated that Jama’s comments were not endorsed or aligned with the party’s views, and she has requested that Jama retract her observations.
Stiles issued a statement via CTV News Toronto, condemning the violent attacks by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians and calling for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire. According to her, a political solution is the key to securing enduring peace in the region.
Two substantial Jewish entities, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, and the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC), joined in condemning Jama’s statement. Both organizations demanded her removal from the NDP caucus in Ontario.
The FSWC released a statement expressing great concern about Jama’s refusal to recognize the crimes committed by Hamas, adding that such remarks are highly inappropriate.
Simultaneously, John Fraser, the interim Ontario Liberal Leader, also called for Jama’s removal from caucus, pointing to the lengthy silence and lack of response from Jama following the call for retraction.
Jama’s advocacy for Palestinians has previously earned criticism from Jewish organization B’nai Brith. They labeled Jama as a “radical anti-Israel advocate” in past events.
During a by-election campaign in Hamilton, Jama refuted their accusations, clarifying that standing up for Palestinian human rights is not equal to antisemitism.
As of now, her post continues to be visible on X.
Following the chaotic attacks on Saturday by Hamas, the Israeli military reported a loss of over 1,000 lives, including 155 soldiers. The Health Ministry of Gaza reported that retaliatory airstrikes by Israel have resulted in at least 900 deaths in the region since Saturday.
