From Nationalpost · · 1m
Minister's letter does not backtrack on anti-Zionism acknowledgment
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree clarifies anti-Zionism isn't antisemitism in government letter.
In brief
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree clarifies anti-Zionism isn't antisemitism in government letter. Canada's government states anti-Zionism isn't always antisemitism but acknowledges the need for clearer definitions. Originally reported by Nationalpost.
NCCM posts misleading headline
The National Council of Canadian Muslims posted a response letter to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree.
“Government of Canada clarifies: anti-Zionism is not antisemitism”
Minister clarifies anti-Zionism stance
Anandasangaree states the report did not suggest all criticism of Zionism is antisemitic.
“the report did not intend to suggest that all criticism of Zionism, Israeli government policies or the State of Israel are antisemitic”
NCCM claims dishonesty
The NCCM argues acknowledging anti-Zionism isn't always antisemitism doesn't mean it's never antisemitic.
“Acknowledging that not all anti-Zionism is antisemitism isn't the same thing as saying that anti-Zionism is never antisemitism in any instance”
Minister's reassurance
Anandasangaree reassures NCCM that Canada supports open debate on Israel, Palestine and Middle East issues.
“Canada’s position has not changed. Canada continues to support open, respectful and lawful debate on issues related to Israel, Palestine, the Middle East and international affairs”
IHRA definition context
The IHRA working definition of antisemitism was adopted in 2019 as part of Canada’s anti-racism strategy.
“the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism was adopted in 2019 as part of Canada’s anti-racism strategy”
Handbook non-binding nature
The Canadian Handbook on the IHRA definition is non-prescriptive guidance for practical use.
“the handbook was published by the Department of Canadian Heritage in 2024 as non-prescriptive guidance for how the IHRA definition can be practically used”
Government's next steps
Canada needs to define when antisemitic anti-Zionist acts occur before the handbook becomes useful.
“the acknowledgement, like the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, is non-binding, non-prescriptive and essentially useless until government realizes that antisemitic anti-Zionist acts need to be properly defined and categorized”
At a glance
Canada's government states anti-Zionism isn't always antisemitism but acknowledges the need for clearer definitions.
