View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, May 13, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) is expressing deep concern over the recent “Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents” report issued by B'nai Brith Canada (BBC), which it finds rife with anti-Palestinian racism (APR). By systematically conflating legitimate criticism of Zionism and Israeli policies with antisemitism, BBC not only mischaracterizes the advocacy for Palestinian rights but also endorses a narrative that perpetuates discrimination against Palestinian activism. This narrative seeks to normalize racism against Palestinians, silence support for Palestinian human rights, legitimize the racial and colonial nature of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and legalize the racial nature of the Zionist political movement. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, May 09, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) is expressing deep concern over Ontario Premier Doug Ford's recent statements regarding pro-Palestinian protests, highlighting what appears to be a discriminatory double standard. Premier Ford has previously affirmed that protests are an integral part of Canada’s democratic society. However, his specific criticisms of pro-Palestinian encampments in Ontario suggest these protests are particularly problematic, characterizing them as uniquely hateful and disruptive. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, May 07, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) is urging Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to reconsider his decision to celebrate the creation of the State of Israel by raising the Israeli flag at City Hall on May 14, 2024. Especially when Israel's brutal military operations in Gaza have led to staggering Palestinian casualties and destruction, such a gesture on the part of the City of Ottawa is extremely insensitive. Many international observers have criticized these actions as disproportionate and in violation of human rights. Additionally, assertions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) indicate that Israel is plausibly committing genocide in Gaza. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, May 2, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) is urging Canadian universities to take seriously the calls from student protesters for a ceasefire and to stop investing in organizations linked with Israel. The universities’ complete dismissal of their students' divestment demands perpetuates a cycle of racism, as it involves both ignoring and funding human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian territories. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, Apr 24, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) expresses its consternation over the actions taken by the Chilliwack School District (CSD) in Chilliwack, BC following a complaint by B’nai Brith Canada. These actions include an apology by the CSD prior to an investigation into a teacher who discussed the Israel-Palestine conflict in a Grade 12 Genocide Studies class. The ARPCF believes it is fully justified for the oppression of Palestinians to be examined in a CSD high school genocide studies class, especially in light of the many reliable assertions presented to the International Court of Justice suggesting that Palestinians are facing a genocide. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, Apr 22, 2024— The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) condemns the recent decision by the Toronto Public Library (TPL) to remove the poem "If I Must Die" by Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer from a display on the "Israel-Palestine Conflict" at its Main Street Library location. This action followed complaints from pro-Israel and Zionist advocacy organization B’nai Brith Canada, which criticized the display as biased and falsely accused the poem of glorifying “martyrdom.” ARPCF is deeply disappointed by the TPL’s decision to suppress important Palestinian cultural voices. Continue reading

 View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, Apr 18, 2024 — The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) is deeply alarmed by the recent decision to ban the wearing of Palestinian keffiyehs within the Ontario Legislative Assembly (OLA) at Queen’s Park. This policy, affecting all legislators, staff, and visitors, was confirmed by Speaker Ted Arnott after word of the ban had spread for days online, and has been publicly challenged by leaders across political lines.  Speaker Arnott announced in an email that the keffiyeh is no longer considered non-partisan cultural garb but is an "overt political statement," alleging that such symbols conflict with the legislative decorum.  ARPCF rejects this explanation and urges the keffiyeh ban to be immediately reversed.  Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, April 16, 2024 — The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) expresses its profound appreciation to the Peel District School Board (PDSB) for including Nakba Remembrance Day in its 2023-24 Days of Significance calendar. This important recognition acknowledges the historical experiences of Palestinian students and their families, thus fostering a more inclusive and empathetic educational environment. By marking this day, the PBSB significantly enhances the understanding of Palestinian heritage and contributes to the broader fight against anti-Palestinian racism within Canadian educational settings. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, April 2, 2024 – The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) voices deep concern and disappointment over the recent mass resignation of ten members of the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival programming team. This unprecedented move underscores a troubling trend with cultural institutions, where voices of Palestinian and their allies are often marginalized or disregarded. The mass resignation of ten members of the programming team, including, veterans Myrocia Watamaniuk and Angie Driscoll, signals a concerning disconnect in the festival’s commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling, particularly regarding Palestinian narratives.     Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, March 28, 2024 - The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) commends the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) for its landmark decision to allocate two full-time equity coach positions dedicated to supporting Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and Arabic-speaking students. This progressive move represents a crucial step towards addressing and mitigating anti-Palestinian racism (APR) and discrimination within the Ottawa-Carleton community. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by the affected student groups, the OCDSB has set a precedent for inclusivity and support that will undoubtedly enhance the learning environment for all. Continue reading