Repudiation of Antisemitic social media post made by Councillor Sean Orr

Joint Statement from the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and CIJA:

The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) are deeply disturbed by the history of antisemitic statements made by newly elected Vancouver City Councillor Sean Orr.

On August 31, 2021, Councillor Orr posted on social media: "Everyone knows Vancouver City planners are controlled by a secret cabal of Jews who have a bunker in the earth’s core fml." This statement invokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope alleging Jewish control of political and economic systems—myths that have fueled discrimination, exclusion, and violence against Jews throughout history.

More recently, on October 30, 2023, merely twenty-three days after Hamas’s barbaric October 7 massacre in which over 1,200 Israelis were murdered, Councillor Orr falsely accused the State of Israel of committing acts of genocide while it acted to defend its citizens and sovereign territory from terrorist aggression. Such reckless and inflammatory language not only distorts reality but also endangers Jewish communities by further inflaming antisemitism and denying Israel’s right to defend itself.

Antisemitism—whether expressed overtly or cloaked in the language of political discourse—has no place in our society, let alone among our elected officials. Councillor Orr’s comments have caused harm to the Jewish community and have eroded trust in his ability to represent all residents of Vancouver.

Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and CIJA call on Councillor Orr to immediately retract his harmful statements, to issue an unequivocal public apology, and to commit to engaging in serious education about antisemitism and the harm he has caused. We also call on all Vancouverites—from all walks of life—and all political and civic leaders to join us in unequivocally condemning Councillor Orr’s antisemitic statements.

At this time, we do not have confidence that Councillor Orr can represent the interests of all Vancouverites in a manner that upholds the principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging. The City of Vancouver deserves leadership that unites rather than divides.

We remain committed to working with municipal leaders to ensure our city is one in which all communities—including the Jewish community—feel safe, respected, and represented.

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