MONTREAL — At a well-attended event hosted by Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom last week, the Honourable Harry S. LaForme, retired Ontario Court of Appeal justice and a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, explained why he calls himself an “Anishinaabe Zionist.” His remarks reframed the Jewish connection to the land of Israel as an expression of indigeneity rather than colonialism, sparking a wide discussion among attendees about historical truth, communal safety, and cross-community alliance.
LaForme told the audience that the Jewish historical presence in the land of Israel, its continuous cultural and religious connections, and documented ancient ties constitute a credible claim to indigeneity. He cautioned against treating Zionism as a simple mirror of European colonial enterprises, arguing that such a framing flattens disparate historical realities and can be weaponized to delegitimize Jewish national claims.
“I don’t know of anyone who can claim indigeneity more than the Jewish people in Israel.”
Those remarks were offered carefully: LaForme distinguished the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada from Jewish history in the Middle East while calling for empathy and mutual respect. He emphasized that recognizing distinct historical narratives does not undermine Indigenous rights in Canada; instead, it creates space for honest dialogue.
The evening drew a diverse, intergenerational audience, including congregants, Indigenous leaders, human rights advocates, and legal scholars. The program featured a formal response from Irwin Cotler, who reinforced the importance of evidentiary discussion around history and rights. Organizers described the gathering as a rare opportunity for substantive exchange rather than headline confrontation.
LaForme used parts of his address to warn of what he described as rising antisemitic sentiment in public life and on campuses. He referenced recent incidents affecting Jewish institutions and described occasions when he personally felt unwelcome on his own Treaty Lands when activists conflated Indigenous advocacy with anti-Israel politics. These lived examples underscored a broader communal anxiety over safety and representation.
“At times I have been made to feel unwelcome on my own Treaty Lands by activists equating Indigenous claims with anti-Israel campaigns.”
While LaForme urged vigilance, he also called for measured, evidence-based responses: avoiding hysteria, documenting incidents, and working with authorities to ensure security without stoking unnecessary fear.
For Jewish and Zionist audiences, LaForme’s endorsement offers an authoritative Indigenous voice that affirms Jewish historical ties to Israel and rebuts narratives that portray Zionism solely as an extension of colonial conquest. His argument provides intellectual ballast for community arguments about historical continuity, and it may strengthen the case for dialogue with Indigenous partners who value truth and nuance.
At the same time, LaForme’s stance invites Jewish organizations to adopt careful rhetoric when engaging with Indigenous and other allied communities, language that recognizes distinct sovereignties and grievances while also protecting communal narratives.
Throughout his remarks, LaForme emphasized the need for rigorous historical inquiry and respectful exchange. He urged Jewish and Indigenous leaders to avoid opportunistic comparisons that politicize suffering and instead to pursue collaborative projects grounded in shared principles of justice and human dignity.
“Conflating histories does a disservice to both communities and can fuel hostility rather than understanding.”
His remarks concluded with a call to action: Jewish organizations should document threats, engage in public education about Jewish history and indigeneity, and pursue partnerships that confront antisemitism and all forms of racism.
This feature is based on direct remarks made by Justice Harry S. LaForme at the Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom event, as well as responses offered there by invited speakers and organizers.