To Muslims in Canada as Elsewhere Peace is Disingenuously what Conflict Is, Justice to Them Injustice to Others

"The OCDSB is conducting a thorough investigation into this issue to ensure it is addressed appropriately and meaningfully."

"Student well-being is our priority and we are committed to ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students."

"In order to ensure the integrity of the investigation, we will not be commenting further on this matter until the investigation is complete."

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board superintendent of instruction, Walter Piovesan

"The selective outrage and swift backlash reveal a troubling double standard that unfairly targets Palestinian and Arabic cultural expression, framing it as inherently controversial or politically charged."

"[The principal's response] reveals an underlying bias that labels Arabic expression as inappropriate in spaces intended to promote inclusivity and unity, while political calls to dismiss those who embrace diverse voices threaten educators' freedom to genuinely foster inclusivity."

"This prejudice not only marginalizes the Palestinian community further but also undermines Canada's professed commitment to multicultural inclusivity."

Jamila Ewais, spokesperson, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

"Remembrance Day is about showing gratitude for Fallen Canadian Veterans, not other causes."

"We invite all educators to refer to our new guide so that they can be sure they are following appropriate protocols when planning a Remembrance Day ceremony, including when it comes to music."

Nujma Bond, national spokesperson, Royal Canadian Legion

Frosty poppies sit atop a tombstone on Remembrance Day at the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa. Photo by Sean Kilpatrick /THE CANADIAN PRESS

 

Students of all grade levels on Remembrance Day just past were exposed on three separate occasions at Sir Robert Borden school (named after the Prime Minister who represented Canada during the First World War) in which an Arabic-language anti-Israel, pro-Hamas song popularized in the months following the barbaric attacks on southern Israel by thousands of Palestinian terrorists on October 7 2023, symbolizing, according to the school principal, 'inclusivity and unity' in place of the fusty old white-soldiers protocol followed traditionally for the annual remembrance ceremony.

Upset students and their parents reacted negatively to this surprise replacement of content reflecting remembrance of wars gone by and those who courageously fought for liberty, justice, equality and democracy. The complaints of inappropriate choices by the school administration for the sober and sad event led to the school principal apologizing, no doubt admonished by the school board which itself has launched an investigation of the sensibilities-assaulting event. Initially, when some of the students approached the principal to launch their personal complaints the response was that in the interests of inclusion the program changed from honouring 'white men involved in the military'.

That this happens to be a school with a large Jewish student contingent upon whom a song that celebrates yet another lethal Palestinian offensive against Jewish civilians in Israel, represented an exercise in malevolent mischief. The school principal, Aaron Hobbs wrote: "The inclusion of a song that could be seen as politically charged was not in line with the values of respect and unity that we strive to uphold at this school."  As opposed to his earlier statement of the purpose of Remembrance Day being about "a white guy who has done something related to the military".

Member of provincial parliament for the riding of Nepean where the school sits, called for the principal who made this decision to downplay respect for Canada's veterans -- the very purpose of Remembrance Day -- to be disciplined. It was her hope that the school board's thorough investigation  was seriously meant. "If this is just an attempt to suffocate the story and contain public input then we will not be any further ahead and that will be regret[able]", she stated.

A number of students had taken the initiative to do a little detective work to trace the song, using a phone app that took them to music platforms that featured artwork of Palestinian protests and songs written by Mahim Ahmed that are highly political. As was the song Haza Salam, translated as 'This is Peace' which has become identified with Palestinian protests of Israel and the conflict in Gaza.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board said it is conducting a 'thorough investigation' into the including of an Arabic song during a Remembrance Day ceremony at Sir Robert Borden High School earlier this week. (Google Maps)