Mayor Olivia Chow Misses Key Memorial Amidst Controversy

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has come under scrutiny following her absence from a pivotal memorial event marking the anniversary of a deadly attack in Israel conducted by Hamas. The event, which took place on October 7, commemorated the attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of over 240 people.

Mayor Chow attributed her absence to a series of “miscommunications” and a missed email, which she claimed her office had not received. “I don’t know the details, but my office did not get the email that was sent to us,” Chow explained. She also cited a heavy workload due to recent city council preparations and ongoing city violence as factors contributing to her missed attendance.

The memorial, organized by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, was held at the Lipa Green Centre in North York. It saw the participation of numerous politicians, including City Council members Brad Bradford and Dianne Saxe, as well as Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

In response to her absence, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) expressed disappointment, labeling Chow’s reasons as “embarrassing exercises in avoiding accountability.” The organization emphasized the importance of solidarity with the Jewish community during a difficult time.

During a press conference before the city council meeting on Wednesday, Mayor Chow addressed the situation, expressing her regret and highlighting her efforts to meet with CIJA and UJA to apologize personally. “We will talk about how we will not miss each other again,” she said, acknowledging the importance of community support and participation in such somber events.

The controversy surrounding Mayor Chow’s absence has sparked reactions from several city council members. Councillor Jon Burnside criticized the explanation as “embarrassing,” while Councillor Brad Bradford expressed disappointment, stating that “leadership is about showing up.” Conversely, Councillor Diane Saxe offered a more understanding perspective, acknowledging the potential for scheduling conflicts.

Despite the backlash, Chow has committed to engaging with Toronto’s Jewish community and ensuring future participation in important events. “Let’s be better,” she urged, reflecting a desire to move forward amid tensions.