WINNIPEG — Manitoba made history on Nov. 15 by raising the Palestinian flag outside the provincial legislature, becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to do so. What was framed as a gesture of solidarity instead revealed itself as a public display of anti-Israel extremism.
Attendees chanted “All Zionists Are Racist” and “We Don’t Want No Zionists Here,” creating a hostile environment for Jewish Canadians and Israel supporters.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Ramsey Zeid, president of the Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba, compounded the offense by later sharing a social media image depicting a toilet replacing the Star of David on Israel’s flag. This was not a minor provocation; it was a symbolic act of contempt toward Jewish people and Israel itself.
During his speech, Zeid repeated familiar anti-Israel narratives, accusing the Jewish state of “colonization,” “occupation,” and “apartheid,” while also blaming Canada for “complicity.” He advanced radical demands, including support for the “right of return” for Palestinian refugees, a position that would eliminate Israel as a Jewish state.
He called for Canada to end arms trade and military cooperation with states “violating international law,” falsely equating Israel with terrorist organizations, and insisted on applying the same moral and legal standards to Israel as to Hamas, a genocidal terrorist group.
For Canadians who value Israel’s security and the safety of the Jewish community, these events raise urgent concerns. How can any politician justify the raising of a foreign flag by individuals who burn the Canadian flag and chant “death to Canada”? Such actions are not neutral or peacebuilding; they signal endorsement of extremist positions.
I would like to know what Politician who sees & hear’s this thinks: You know what? They deserve their flag raised on a pole in our Country even though they burn ours & chant d3ath to Canada.
— Ryan Gerritsen🇨🇦🇳🇱 (@ryangerritsen) November 16, 2025
Absolute madness. pic.twitter.com/GxV4HTDB4E
The ceremony also highlights a troubling trend: anti-Zionist activists increasingly gain access to official platforms. By giving Zeid a microphone and public recognition, the Manitoba government legitimized rhetoric promoting the elimination of the Jewish state and open mockery of Jewish symbols. The decision sends a message that extremist views are tolerated, even celebrated, on government property.
Canada has a long-standing commitment to Israel as a democratic ally and as a safe homeland for the Jewish people. Manitoba’s flag-raising ceremony undermines this principle. Instead of fostering dialogue, reconciliation, or understanding, the event elevated radical positions, insulted Jewish Canadians, and delegitimized Israel’s right to exist.
Raising a flag is not a neutral act. When the leaders of a ceremony mock Jews, delegitimize Israel, and endorse positions that would erase the Jewish state, the flag itself becomes a symbol of hate, not peace. Manitoba did not raise a flag of dialogue or goodwill. It raised a flag tied to extremism and contempt for the Jewish community.
The provincial government must reflect on the consequences of this decision and recognize the message it sends to both citizens and the international community. Symbolic acts of government recognition carry real moral weight. In this case, the signal was clear: extremism and anti-Zionism were elevated above dialogue and respect for Jewish Canadians.
Thank you for reading. If you value independent Jewish journalism, help keep our reporting free and reliable, share this article, subscribe for regular coverage, or donate $10, $25, or $50 today.
Every gift powers timely, trusted reporting and amplifies pro-Israel voices defending Jewish rights worldwide. Donate now.
This article is based on verified information from firsthand observations at the Manitoba flag-raising ceremony, official statements, and social media posts by the Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba.
The opinions and facts presented in this article are those of the author, and neither TheJ.Ca nor its partners assume any responsibility for them.