Criticism Arises Over NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s Statement on October 7 Attacks

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh‘s statement regarding the commemoration of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel has sparked criticism from Jewish communities in Canada. Singh’s remarks were intended to condemn the attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals, including eight Canadians, and the hostage-taking of more than 250 people.

In his statement, Singh expressed solidarity with the victims, stating, “This anniversary is a painful reminder of the suffering endured by countless families who have experienced the devastating impact of those attacks. New Democrats and all Canadians mourn with Canada’s Jewish community, and we reiterate our call for the return of all hostages.”

However, Singh also criticized Israel’s response to the attacks, describing it as an act of “genocide” against Gaza. He commented on what he termed the “extremist” nature of the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, “For many Canadians, the response to October 7th from Netanyahu’s extremist government was the beginning of a brutal assault on the people of Gaza, who did not and do not deserve collective punishment.” Singh has advocated for an immediate ceasefire and an arms embargo against Israel.

The statement has been met with disappointment from Jewish advocacy groups in Canada. Rich Robertson, Director of Research and Advocacy at B’nai Brith Canada, labeled the statement “disheartening,” criticizing the NDP for creating an equivalence between Israel’s defensive actions and Hamas‘s attacks. “It’s disheartening and distressing that the NDP felt the need to reference the actions of the Israeli state in a statement designed to honor the victims of a terror attack,” Robertson remarked in an interview with True North.

Jeremy Levi, Mayor of Hampstead, Quebec, also denounced the statement, describing it as “a truly disgusting and reprehensible statement from the NDP on such a solemn and somber day.” He insisted that every party member should feel “ashamed” of the statement.

Richard Marceau, Vice President of External Affairs for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, expressed disappointment over the NDP’s response, describing it as a missed opportunity to support Canada’s Jewish community. “October 7 was a moment to pause and reflect on the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, as well as the alarming rise of antisemitism in Canada,” Marceau stated to True North. “Instead, the NDP chose to engage in partisan politics, virtue signaling to anti-Israel activists even on this most solemn day.”