In Canada, NDP leader criticized over Gaza post on Yom Kippur — Jerusalem Post
In Canada, New Democratic Party leader Avi Lewis faced criticism over a post on the social media platform X published before the start of Yom Kippur. As the Jerusalem Post reports, the politician wrote in the first person that he was reflecting on what “we” had not done to contribute to ending what he called the ongoing genocide in Gaza, carried out in their name.
Lewis also noted that Yom Kippur is a time for atonement, mourning the dead, and acknowledging responsibility for harm caused — both personal and collective. His post was criticized by federal politicians, Jewish organizations, and commentators. They said the wording could be interpreted as placing collective responsibility on Jews for the actions of the Israeli government.
Reaction from politicians and organizations
Canadian Liberal Party member of Parliament Anthony Housefather said it was unacceptable to hold Canadian Jews and Jews around the world responsible for events they cannot influence. Another Liberal MP, Ben Carr, called the comments irresponsible for a political leader and warned that such rhetoric could contribute to threats against the Jewish community.
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The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs of Canada said portraying Jews as collectively complicit in crimes could become a justification for attacks against them in Canada. HonestReporting Canada executive director Mike Fegelman also said that Lewis addressed Jews collectively on Yom Kippur and attributed to them an obligation to atone for the actions of a foreign government.
Lewis’s position and the shooting in Belleville
During a press conference, Lewis rejected accusations that he had held Jews responsible for the actions of the Israeli government. He stressed that he considers such collective attribution of responsibility to be antisemitism and explained his post as personal reflections by a Jewish Canadian on the day of atonement. According to him, it concerned insufficient efforts by humanity, including Jews, to stop what he called genocide in Gaza.
That same evening, a shooting occurred near the Sons of Jacob synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, during a service on the eve of Yom Kippur. Constable Jeff Smith was wounded in an exchange of gunfire while protecting the community, as those present in the synagogue sought shelter. Afterward, Lewis expressed solidarity with the Jewish community of Belleville and the country.
