Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather is once again facing heat from within the Jewish community—this time, not over federal aid to Gaza, but over a private message obtained by TheJ.Ca that appears to undermine the very voters who have long formed the backbone of his political support.
A screenshot of a direct message Housefather allegedly sent to a constituent last year on Instagram reveals him boasting about his ability to win re-election “without the Jewish vote.” The message, which Housefather’s office has not denied, has sent shockwaves through Montreal’s Jewish community—many of whom are still reeling from his controversial defense of a $100 million federal aid package to Gaza.
In that earlier controversy, Housefather raised eyebrows and ire when he was quoted as saying the government would ensure “as little of it as possible goes to terrorists.” Critics, including legal and political voices in Montreal, slammed the comment as a dangerous admission that the government could not fully prevent taxpayer money from ending up in the hands of Hamas or other terrorist groups.
Now, with the emergence of this private message, many are questioning Housefather’s authenticity as a representative of Jewish interests. “This is more than a political misstep—it’s a betrayal,” said a longtime Mount Royal resident. “You don’t publicly align yourself with Jewish values and community concerns, then privately brag about not needing our vote.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for Housefather, as election season intensifies and trust within the riding appears to erode. Community leaders and organizations that once supported the MP are now demanding accountability.
“If these comments are accurate, they show a disturbing level of political cynicism,” said one political analyst. “It’s one thing to misjudge a foreign policy decision. It’s another to privately dismiss the electoral importance of your core constituents.”
While Housefather has previously defended himself as a strong voice for Jewish Canadians in Parliament, this latest revelation has cast serious doubt on that reputation. With growing dissatisfaction over both his policy stances and now his behind-the-scenes rhetoric, the question becomes whether Mount Royal’s Jewish community will look elsewhere for representation when they head to the polls.
I lived in Cote st Luc Housefather has become a coward from what he used to be as a mayor And now an MP. From has actions in the last couple of years his only loyalty is to Anthony Housefather and thru his actions in Ottawa and now this report he has lost his credibility and does not deserve to be reelected I hope the Jewish community realizes what he has become
a selfserving politician for only his own benefit