We are deeply worried about Amira Elghawaby’s comments this week on 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. 

All Canadians, including Palestinian Canadians, are entitled to full protection under Canada’s robust human rights laws, but 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 Trudeau’s government.  

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.    

In addition, focusing on APR also takes attention away from legitimate concerns about Islamophobia in Canada, instead focusing solely on the conflict in the Middle East. 

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 Diversity & Inclusion Minister Khera to bring Canadians together, not drive them apart. Tell them not to endorse APR.   

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