Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks at the National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism have ignited intense debate, drawing both praise and criticism. Speaking at the event, Trudeau openly identified as a Zionist, declaring, "No one in Canada should ever be afraid to call themselves a Zionist."
He condemned the rising tide of antisemitism and criticised the way the term 'Zionist' is increasingly used as an insult. "The increasingly common deafening indifference toward or even rationalisation of rising antisemitism is not normal. The term Zionist increasingly being tossed around as a pejorative, in spite of the fact that it simply means believing in the right of Jewish people, like all people, to determine their own future, is not normal," he said.
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His comments were met with strong approval from Israel's embassy in Canada, which described them as particularly significant during a time of increasing antisemitic incidents. "We deeply value Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statement that 'no one in Canada should ever be afraid to call themselves a Zionist' and his clear identification as a Zionist-especially in such dark hours for Jews in Canada and around the world," the embassy wrote on social media.
Citing statistics from Israel's Diaspora Ministry, the embassy noted that Canada has witnessed a "670 per cent increase in antisemitic incidents since October 7" and urged that "words of solidarity should be accompanied by meaningful steps to combat hate and educate against antisemitism."
However, Trudeau's remarks also drew sharp criticism. UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Francesca Albanese argued that Zionism undermines Palestinian self-determination.
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"Antisemitism, like all racism, is repugnant and must be fought as a legal and moral duty. But opposing it should not mean ignoring the rights of others," she wrote.
"No ideology justifies the dispossession of a people or the denial of their right to self-determination. Canada has legal obligations to support, not obstruct, Palestinian self-determination-failure to do so can have legal consequences under international law."
Trudeau's comments also sparked backlash on social media, with one user writing, "He might as well declare himself proud of apartheid laws, proud of Israel's illegal occupation, proud of their genocide." Another user commented, "This remark in his last days in office will be his legacy," while another wrote, "No comment, only nausea."
Trudeau faces backlash for his remark.
Trudeau faces backlash for his remark.
This is not the first time Trudeau has defended Zionism. Last year, he stated that "Zionism is not a dirty word" while advocating for a two-state solution to bring a lasting resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party since 2013 and served as prime minister since 2015, announced in January that he would step down, citing dismal polling numbers and internal party dissent.
Published By:
Nakul Ahuja
Published On:
Mar 8, 2025
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