Joint Statement from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center
"The recent appointment of Birju Dattani as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) is deeply concerning considering the information that has been reported widely in the media. His connection to individuals linked to terrorist groups and his history of antisemitic statements and activities demonstrate that he is not suitable for this critical position at the CHRC.
"Dattani’s inadequate response to these allegations over the past week further underscores a pattern of denial and obfuscation rather than genuine accountability. It is imperative that the Commission's leadership maintains the highest standards of integrity and commitment to Canadian values, particularly given its role in safeguarding human rights and combating discrimination, especially with upcoming legislation such as Bill C-63 on Online Harms.
"We urge the government to reconsider Mr. Dattani's appointment to ensure the integrity of the CHRC and public trust in its mission."
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About the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, representing Jewish Federations across Canada. CIJA is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and protect Jewish life in Canada through advocacy and to advance the public policy interests of Canada’s organized Jewish community.
About the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center
Established in 1989, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is one of Canada’s leading human rights organizations combatting antisemitism and all forms of hate. Through its extensive advocacy work and education programs teaching the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides, FSWC promotes the principles of tolerance, social justice and democracy. Based in Toronto, FSWC is affiliated with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an international human rights organization headquartered in Los Angeles, which has an official NGO presence at the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament.
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