by Randy Thoms
A provincial NDP member is facing criticism for comments related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Hamilton-area MPP Sarah Jama posted a statement on Tuesday that advocates for “an end to all occupation of Palestinian land and end apartheid.”
I’m reflecting on my role as a politician who is participating in this settler colonial system, and I ask that all politicians do the same. #FreePalastine pic.twitter.com/pYO1gyuXt4
— Sarah Jama (she/her) (@SarahJama_) October 10, 2023
Several Jewish groups have since spoken out.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, states Jama’s statement will do nothing to create peace and will only serve to foment hatred against Canada’s Jewish community.
The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center says it is outraged by the statement and wants the Hamilton MPP removed from caucus.
Several Progressive Conservatives are also calling for Jama to resign, including Premier Doug Ford.
“Her views do not represent Ontario,” Ford states in a post on X. “They have no place in the legislature and they have no place in the province.
As premier, I’m doing what @MaritStiles won’t. I’m calling on Sarah Jama to resign immediately as a member of the Provincial Parliament. pic.twitter.com/q3Fw7gzJea
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 11, 2023
NDP leader Marit Stiles has asked Jama to retract the statement, saying it does not align with the federal party’s statement and was not authorized.
