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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jewish Federation of Ottawa, Partners, Withdraw Participation from Capital Pride Parade After Public Statement Puts Safety, Inclusivity at Risk
OTTAWA, Aug. 14, 2024 – The Jewish Federation of Ottawa, along with representatives from our partner organizations, met with Capital Pride co-chairs early this week to address our serious concerns about their recent antisemitic statement. While our initial meeting was positive, Capital Pride’s board has decided they are unwilling to reconsider or act on their position and make this year’s Pride events safe and inclusive for all.
Given Capital Pride's refusal to adjust its stance, and the significant harm this position poses to the safety of the Jewish community, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and our community partners have made the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from this year's Pride Parade. This choice was not made lightly, but we cannot in good conscience support an event that marginalizes Jewish 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and the broader Jewish community. This choice also does not align with Capital Pride’s advertised mission: respecting the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
By disregarding our concerns and inviting this year’s Pride event to become a protest against Israel, Capital Pride has chosen a divisive position that further marginalizes Jews, who are victimized by more hate crimes than any other group in Canada. Anti-Israel protests have repeatedly targeted Jewish communities with threats and violence across Canada, including here in Ottawa.
We challenge Capital Pride and its supporters to reflect on the principles of unity and solidarity that Pride is meant to represent. It is time to rise above divisive politics and recommit to creating a truly inclusive environment for all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including those who are Jewish.
The Jewish Federation of Ottawa remains steadfast in its dedication to advocating for the rights, safety and inclusion of the Ottawa Jewish Community. Equally, we remain committed to supporting Ottawa's 2SLGBTQ+ community and denouncing homophobia, transphobia, and hate waged against the gender and sexually diverse community.
Although hate has a ripple effect that impacts all, we feel especially sad for 2SLGBTQ+ Jewish community members impacted by this divisive rhetoric, radicalism, and failure to imbue the mission and values of inclusion, dignity and unity.
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