Jagmeet Singh, leader of the federal NDP, along with 27 of his MPs, has signed a pledge accusing Israel of genocide. The commitment includes recognizing a State of Palestine, increasing aid to Gaza, and protecting those who accuse Israel of genocide and denounce what the pledge calls “Israel’s illegal occupation.”
This is not diplomacy. It is not a balanced call for peace. It is a reckless and inflammatory statement that fuels anti-Israel sentiment and opens the door to antisemitism under the banner of social justice.
No context, no balance
Signed around April 2, 2025, this pledge represents a disturbing shift in Canadian politics. It fails to acknowledge Israel’s right to defend itself and offers no mention of Hamas, a terrorist organization designated by Canada, the United States, and the European Union.
While Israel defends itself against rocket attacks and hostage-taking by groups committed to its destruction, the NDP accuses it of genocide. There is no mention of the more than 1,200 Israelis murdered on Oct. 7, 2023. No outrage over civilians burned alive or dragged into Gaza. No recognition of the footage showing terrorists celebrating the massacre of Jewish families.
Context matters
Civilian deaths in Gaza are heartbreaking. Every life lost is a tragedy. However, Hamas deliberately embeds itself in civilian areas — schools, hospitals, and homes — using human shields and launching attacks from densely populated zones. Israel faces a terror army that hides behind civilians, yet the NDP ignores this reality and uses the term “genocide” to describe Israel’s response.
This is not just tone-deaf. It is shameful.
Shielding extremism
The pledge does more than criticize Israeli policy. It commits to protecting those who promote these claims. It raises serious concerns about how far this protection extends. When demonstrators block Jewish-owned businesses, disrupt synagogues, or chant slogans calling for Israel’s destruction, are these MPs standing behind them?
The document draws no clear line between advocacy and hate. It offers no safeguards against rising antisemitism. It effectively gives cover to those who spread it.
A pattern of extremism
This pledge is not a one-off. Singh and many NDP MPs have a history of aligning with activist causes that cross into dangerous territory. Leah Gazan, a Manitoba NDP MP, referred to Israel’s actions as genocide in 2022 and repeated those claims after Oct. 7. Now, 27 of her colleagues have followed suit.
This is not just political posturing. It is adding fuel to an already raging fire. Antisemitic incidents in Canada surged in 2024, with B’nai Brith Canada reporting a 43% increase over the previous year. Jewish schools were threatened, synagogues were vandalized, and members of the Jewish community faced harassment. This pledge will make things worse.
Manitoba’s role
Some federal NDP MPs from Manitoba likely signed this pledge. While names have yet to be confirmed, the Manitoba NDP is structurally tied to the federal party. This connection demands a clear response from Premier Wab Kinew.
Does he support the pledge? Does he support Jagmeet Singh’s leadership? Or will he stand with Manitoba’s Jewish community and condemn this divisive and dangerous rhetoric? Silence is no longer an option.
Time for accountability
Jagmeet Singh and every MP who signed this pledge must resign. Accusing a democratic ally of genocide while excusing the actions of terrorists is unacceptable. These individuals no longer deserve a place in Canada’s Parliament.
Canadians must send a strong message: there is no room for hate in our democracy. Do not support any NDP candidate who endorses this pledge. Period.
This was not a mistake
This pledge was not accidental. It was intentional. It signaled to fringe activists that their views are welcome at the highest levels of Canadian politics.
Israel remains a close ally — committed to democracy, trade, and innovation. These MPs have turned their backs on that partnership, choosing ideology over truth and division over unity.
Draw the line
This is more than political disagreement. This is the normalization of hate. If this is not where we draw the line, then when? When synagogues need armed security? When Jewish families hide their identity in public? When antisemitism becomes just another part of political discourse?
Originally published by the Winnipeg Sun.
Would have been useful to include a link to said document, including the names of the signatories