There is currently discontent within Ontario’s New Democratic Party (NDP) as its leader has requested that one of the party members retract a controversial statement concerning the conflict in Israel and Gaza. The comment, regarded in disdain, was not sanctioned by party organizers.
Sarah Jama, the Hamilton Centre representative for the NDP, shared her perspective on the escalating violence in the Middle East in a public statement. She advocated for self-reflection among politicians who partake in the settler colonial system, seeking a comprehensive ceasefire, de-escalation, and the cessation of Palestinian land occupation and apartheid.
Marit Stiles, the head of the NDP in Ontario, responded to Jama’s commentary, stating that it did not adhere to the party’s viewpoint and was delivered without approval. She urged Jama to promptly rescind her remarks.
Stiles denounced the violent actions by Hamas, deeming their acts of terror on innocent Israeli civilians as inexcusable. She echoed the need for a ceasefire and de-escalation to halt further bloodshed and advocated for a political resolution that would establish enduring peace in the region.
Organizations such as the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) strongly criticized Jama’s statements. They openly demanded her expulsion from the Ontario NDP caucus, expressing disappointment over her failure to acknowledge the violent acts perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli civilians.
A similar sentiment was voiced by John Fraser, Interim Ontario Liberal Party Leader, who also pressed for Jama’s exclusion from the caucus, questioning the delay in retraction following Stiles’ public request.
Jama is no stranger to criticism from Jewish organizations. B’nai Brith, a prominent Jewish group, tagged her as a “radical anti-Israel advocate” during a recent political campaign. Jama defended her stance during a debate, asserting that her support for Palestinian human rights should not be conflated with antisemitism.
Notably, Jama has yet to remove or retract her controversial post. While domestic political turmoil ensues, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate. The Israeli military reports over 1,000 casualties, including 155 soldiers, since Hamas’ unexpected attack. Concurrently, Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes have resulted in an approximate 900 deaths in Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health.
