The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is deeply worried about Amira Elghawaby’s comments this week pushing the federal government to adopt Anti-Palestinian Racism (APR).
On the surface, APR’s goals seem positive. However, in reality, APR risks undermining protections for Jewish Canadians and letting groups abuse anti-racism policies to silence Jewish voices.
APR goes beyond addressing discrimination and aims to restrict legitimate expressions of Jewish identity and support for Israel.
APR conflates political opinions about Israel with racism, a stance that goes against the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, which has been adopted by the Canadian government and many provinces.
APR defines even basic expressions of Jewish identity and support for Israel as discriminatory, which is incompatible with Canada’s commitment to human rights and equality.
Endorsing APR will increase division between Jewish and Muslim Canadians, stoke resentment and polarization, and fuel the conflict and hate already plaguing Canada.
Tell Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Khera to bring Canadians together. Do not drive us apart. Do not endorse APR.
