In a time when global outrage should unite us against hate and brutality, one man’s silence is deafening. While the world watched in horror as Hamas orchestrated a macabre handover ceremony—displaying the strangled and maimed bodies of the Bibas children, their mother’s remains, and the shattered body of Oded Lifshitz—one Palestinian-Canadian business owner and CPAM president, Ramsey Zeid, shockingly shared these vile images on social media without a single word of condemnation. His inexcusable act not only trivializes the unspeakable atrocities committed by Hamas but also implies a disturbing tacit approval of these actions.
The staged handover was designed to provoke and to normalize a spectacle of violence. It is an act of barbarism that should leave no room for ambivalence. As the president and CEO of the Federation, Jeff Lieberman encapsulated the horror:
“The cold-blooded murder of Ariel and Kfir in captivity is an atrocity beyond words. No person should have to endure what Yarden Bibas is facing today. We grieve with the Bibas family, we grieve with Jewish people everywhere, and we demand that every remaining hostage be returned now.”
These words echo the collective anguish of a community that has been scarred by violence and loss. They demand accountability and an unwavering denunciation of those who perpetrate such cruelty.
Yet, amidst this outcry, Ramsey Zeid’s social media silence—and active sharing of the grotesque images—serves as a stark betrayal of our shared humanity. Instead of condemning the perpetrators, Zeid’s uncritical endorsement opens the door to extremist narratives that thrive on dehumanizing rhetoric. It is a callous reminder that some individuals are willing to exploit tragedy for political or ideological gain, further deepening the wounds of those already suffering.
Adding to this chorus of despair, Paula Parks, Chair of the Federation, highlighted the resilience of the community:
“Many have worked tirelessly to keep the plight of the hostages front and centre in our community—whether it is speaking up at gatherings, attending weekly rallies, or personally displaying signs and symbols calling for their freedom. Our community is made stronger by their vigilance. We can only hope and pray that we see the release of all of the remaining hostages as soon as possible.”
Parks’ words are a rallying cry for solidarity and active resistance against any force that seeks to normalize or glorify such abhorrent violence.
Ramsey Zeid’s callous behavior is not an isolated incident—it is part of a broader, deeply troubling trend where individuals with extremist sympathies leverage digital platforms to spread hate and incite further division. In a world already burdened by the legacy of unspeakable atrocities, his silence in the face of horror is not just a personal failing, but a public threat to the values of decency and justice that we all hold dear.
Now, more than ever, it is essential for communities and leaders alike to denounce hate unequivocally. The uncritical sharing of these images by figures like Zeid emboldens extremist propaganda and undermines the moral clarity needed to confront such acts of terror. The world must reject this tacit approval and stand united against any attempt to exploit tragedy for divisive ends.
Yet, our “Illustrious “ NDP leader loves him. Horrible, both of them.