Carney backpedals after affirming Gaza “genocide” claim at rally
Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing significant criticism after responding to a heckler who claimed that Israel was committing genocide by saying he was “aware.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing significant criticism after responding to a heckler who claimed that Israel was committing genocide by saying he was “aware.”
Carney has since claimed that he “didn’t hear” the word genocide when responding to the supporter
At a rally in Calgary, the Liberal leader was interrupted by a heckler who yelled that there was a genocide happening in Gaza.
In response to the heckler, Carney affirmed the heckler’s concern by pointing to the arms embargo levied against Israel by former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
“Thank you Diana, I am aware. Which is why we have an arms embargo,” said Carney.
Prior to the incident, Carney had not waded into the Israel-Hamas War.
When confronted about the interaction, Carney said, “It’s noisy. If you’re up there you hear snippets of what people say and I heard Gaza, and my point was I’m aware of the situation in Gaza.”
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs slammed Carney’s comments, accusing the Liberal leader of fanning the flames of misinformation and demonization against Israel and Jews.
“Canadian Jews are facing violent attacks and threats targeting our synagogues, schools and community centres. This is an affront to our way of life in Canada. It is outrageous to see politicians fuel antisemitism through false narratives of demonization,” reads CIJA’s statement.
“There is no genocide in Gaza. Claiming otherwise is false.”
CIJA went on to denounce the Canadian arms embargo against Israel, claiming that such a policy was wrongheaded and dangerous.
“As we have stated for months, Israel has the right to self-defence. An arms embargo on Canada’s democratic ally facing attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran is not only the wrong policy, it’s dangerous.”
CEO of the Simon Wiesenthal Center Canada Michael Levitt said that Carney’s comments were reckless and are feeding into harmful narratives against Canadian Jews.
“Words matter and misinformation causes real damage. Impulsive and reckless remarks won’t change the Middle East. But they will change Canada for better or worse. And it’s Canadian Jews facing hate every day who will bear the consequences,” said Levitt, a former Liberal MP.
Former Conservative senator Linda Frum chimed in, telling supporters of the anti-Israel terrorist groups that Carney ought to be their candidate of choice.
“Hey Hamas and Hezbollah supporters in Canada — here is your man in case you had any doubt,” said Frum.
True North reached out to Carney for comment, though no response was given.
We need a government with some balls. These protests in support of terrorism need to end. Send them all back to the middle East.
If you can only hear snippets, Carney, then pass out some microphones among your audience. Or do you not wish to hear questions so that you are forced to take one side or the other, or do you prefer to become mealy-mouthed?