‘His connection to individuals linked to terrorist groups and his history of antisemitic statements and activities demonstrate that he is not suitable’
Article content
Three Canadian Jewish groups have called for the removal of Birju Dattani from his upcoming appointment as head of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) over his alleged association with people linked to terror groups and history of antisemitic statements.
The federal government said this week that it is investigating Dattani’s “potentially troubling statements” that came to light after his new role was announced. Dattani is scheduled to take over as chief commissioner of the CHRC on Aug. 8.
Advertisement 2
Article content
“His connection to individuals linked to terrorist groups and his history of antisemitic statements and activities demonstrate that he is not suitable for this critical position at the (Canadian Human Rights Commission),” said the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies in a joint statement.
“We urge the government to reconsider Mr. Dattani’s appointment to ensure the integrity of the CHRC and public trust in its mission.”
During his academic career, Dattani joined a panel discussion in 2015 that included a member of an Islamic fundamentalist group and has lectured about the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.
“I spoke on many panels as a graduate student with people holding a range of views. This does not mean I shared or agreed with the views of other panellists,” Dattani told National Post.
He also denied ever having endorsed the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, saying it was a scholarly interest of his and that the one time he was quoted in a Marxist newspaper endorsing the principle — a non-violent means of reducing economic support for Israel, which is considered antisemitic by many Zionist organizations — he was misquoted.
First Reading
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
“As an academic, I have discussed, often in great detail, the BDS movement. That being said, I have not personally or publicly endorsed the BDS movement,” Dattani said.
CIJA has also alleged he shared an article that compared Israel to Nazi Germany, CBC news reported. Dattani said he posted it “for discussion” in 2014 when he was working as a teacher. When reached for comment, Dattani told CBC News that he finds the comparison “offensive and odious.”
“I did not agree with the comparison. However, I do accept and sincerely apologize that this has deeply offended members of the Jewish community and I would never do such a thing now,” he told CBC.
Dattani has asked to meet with CIJA to assure the advocacy group of his impartiality.
In the joint statement, CIJA said Dattani had not taken responsibility for his past statements.
“Dattani’s inadequate response to these allegations over the past week further underscores a pattern of denial and obfuscation rather than genuine accountability,” says the statement with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies.
Advertisement 4
Article content
Another Jewish group, B’nai Brith, called on the human rights commission to investigate its own vetting process, and accused Dattani of making “unCanadian remarks.”
“This trend is putting the sanctity and security of our democracy, and the well-being of all Canadians, at risk,” B’nai Brith said.
Dattani, who holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in law, previously served on the Yukon human rights commission and the Alberta human rights commission. The current chair of the Yukon Human Rights Commission has defended Dattani.
“I can testify to the fact that while serving as our Director of Human Rights, Mr. Dattani was exemplary in meeting the highest standards of dedication to the defense of human rights for all Yukoners,” said Michael Dougherty in a statement. “We are only too aware that personal attacks come with the territory for those who are committed to ensuring the rights of all persons. Today, as every day, the Yukon Human Rights Commission stands beside Birju Dattani and every other person who has the courage to take up this calling.”
With additional reporting by Ari David Blaff
Recommended from Editorial
Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Article content
