The Ontario Legislature is buzzing with tension as debate kicks off today over a motion introduced by the Ford government to censure NDP MPP Sarah Jama, representing Hamilton Centre, over a controversial statement she made following the recent Hamas attack in Israel.
Last week, MPP Jama took to social media to share her thoughts on the attack, not focusing on the surprise assault by Hamas militants. Instead, she discussed the prolonged plight of Palestinians under Israeli occupation, which she labelled as “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
In the statement posted on Oct. 10 under the Ontario NDP letterhead, Jama wrote, “I call for immediate ceasefire and de-escalation. We must look to the solution to this endless cycle of death and destruction: end all occupation of Palestinian land and end apartheid.” Accompanying the post was the hashtag “#FreePalestine”.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles swiftly responded to Jama’s statement, noting that it was not approved by the caucus. Stiles urged Jama to clearly express that she “decries any violence against both Israeli and Palestinian people.” While Jama’s original post remains on her social media profile, she responded multiple times to the post, apologizing and clarifying her comments. “I apologize. To be clear, I unequivocally condemn terrorism by Hamas on thousands of Israeli civilians,” Jama clarified in one of her subsequent replies.
The Ford government’s motion demands that Jama formally apologize in the legislature for her comments. Failing to do so may lead to her being prohibited from speaking in the chamber. The NDP claims that this is a political move on the Ford government’s part, with Stiles calling the motion a diversionary tactic, intended to shift attention away from the RCMP’s ongoing investigation into the Greenbelt scandal.
I heard many voices yesterday raising concerns about my post. I hear them – and above all, I understand the pain that many Jewish and Israeli Canadians, including my own constituents, must be feeling. I apologize.
— Sarah Jama (she/her) (@SarahJama_) October 11, 2023
“It is a very drastic move to censure an MPP,” Stiles commented, defending Jama, “MPP Jama has apologized and made it clear she condemns the terrorist attack by Hamas.”
To be clear, I unequivocally condemn terrorism by Hamas on thousands of Israeli civilians. I also believe that Israel’s bombardment and siege on civilians in Gaza, as was also noted by the United Nations, is wrong. As a member of the Ontario NDP caucus,
— Sarah Jama (she/her) (@SarahJama_) October 11, 2023
Jama’s earlier campaign had stirred controversy and attracted criticism from several Jewish organizations due to some past remarks and affiliations. Notably, she was critiqued for standing up for Palestinian human rights and her association with student groups. Jama had, however, publicly denounced anti-Semitism during a debate.
The recent statement by Jama post the Hamas attack drew heavy criticism, with several Jewish advocacy groups, such as the Centre of Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), demanding her removal from caucus. Premier Doug Ford, echoing the sentiment, called for Jama’s resignation in a statement last week.
Additionally, the Ford government has introduced another motion that condemns Hamas’s attacks, recognizing them as terrorists and emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense. Premier Ford stated in the legislature, “What unites us is rejecting brutal acts of terror from Hamas and other terrorists around the world. As we stand firm in the support of Israel, we pray for the safety of all innocent people.” This motion is slated for debate in the legislature this week.
MPP Sarah Jama has been notably absent from the legislature this week. The debate on whether to censure her is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.
