NDP MPP for Hamilton Centre Sarah Jama has issued an apology following a controversial post she made about the war between Israel and Palestine.
In the apology Jama clarified her statements, saying she “unequivocally” condemns the terrorism led by Hamas and that “Israel’s bombardment and siege on civilians in Gaza, as was also noted by the United Nations, is wrong.”
To be clear, I unequivocally condemn terrorism by Hamas on thousands of Israeli civilians. I also believe that Israel’s bombardment and siege on civilians in Gaza, as was also noted by the United Nations, is wrong. As a member of the Ontario NDP caucus,
— Sarah Jama (she/her) (@SarahJama_) October 11, 2023
“I stand by the position of our federal party, and believe that violence against civilians is never justified, and that there is no military solution to this conflict.”
Ontario NDP Marit Stiles additionally shared a statement following the apology, saying that she has been working with MPP Jama over the past 24 hours and understands the personal impact that the evolving situation has on individuals like Jama who hold familial connections to Palestine.
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“New Democrats have always advocated passionately for the human rights of Palestinians and Israelis,” says Stiles, “We stand in support of the federal NDP’s position in calling for an end to further bloodshed. MPP Jama has reaffirmed her commitment to this.”
In the original post, Jama spoke of the history of conflict and colonization that has led to the war between Israel and Hamas and quoted Michael Lynk, UN Special Rappaorteur for the situation of human rights in the Palestine territory, calling the situation apartheid.
I’m reflecting on my role as a politician who is participating in this settler colonial system, and I ask that all politicians do the same. #FreePalastine pic.twitter.com/pYO1gyuXt4
— Sarah Jama (she/her) (@SarahJama_) October 10, 2023
While she called for “immediate ceasefire and de-escalation”, there was no mention of the unexpected attack on Israel by Hamas and the deaths that followed.
“We must look to the solution to this endless cycle of death and destruction. End all occupation of Palestinian land and end apartheid,” Jama said in the post.
Following the post, Stiles issued a statement denouncing Jama’s words saying in part, “MPP Jama’s statement yesterday did not unequivocally decry the violence against Israelis by Hamas and it caused harm to Jewish people who are feeling pain and fear right now. It did not reflect our party’s positions on the war and was sent without approval.”
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The post sparked an outcry of backlash, with Premier Doug Ford calling for Jama to resign immediately as a member of provincial parliament.
As premier, I’m doing what @MaritStiles won’t. I’m calling on Sarah Jama to resign immediately as a member of the Provincial Parliament. pic.twitter.com/q3Fw7gzJea
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 11, 2023
“As premier, I’m doing what Ms. Stiles won’t and calling on Sarah Jama to resign immediately as a member of the Provincial Parliament. Her views do not represent Ontario. They have no place in the legislature, and they have no place in this province.”
Jama is a disability rights activist who has been with the NDP for seven months since she won a byelection in Hamilton Centre back in March.
Her use of the word apartheid in the 75-year-long issue surrounding Israel and Palestine has come up before. During the by-election campaign, Jama apologized for describing Israel as an apartheid state and would go on to win the seat.
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