Middle East, “Sithole Land”: A Jewish minister loses his post

Under pressure, British Columbia Premier David Eby resigned on Monday to show his higher education minister the door.

The troubles for Minister Selina Robinson, a strong voice for the Jewish community in the province's NDP government, began on Jan. 30 in an online speech organized by B'nai Brith Canada.

During his speech, Robinson referred to pre-1948 Palestine as “a wretched land of nothing,” explaining that, in his opinion, the creation of Israel made it possible to develop this part of the Middle East.

His comments were condemned by anti-Islamic groups. As discontent grew, her boss first defended her before referring to compulsory lessons on Islamophobia. He finally resigned himself after announcing that he would lose his ministerial post but remain a vice-chancellor in his team.

“She screwed up. She made a significant mistake,” David Eby commented while providing an update to the media on Monday. Mrs. The Prime Minister acknowledged that he had received calls and held meetings with people who said they were offended by Robinson's comments.

“shame”

Jewish organizations protest Selina Robinson's dismissal.

“We are saddened by the loss of one of the strongest voices in the fight against anti-Semitism within cabinet,” said Ezra Shanken, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver.

“It is shameful that Prime Minister David Eby bowed to the vocal pressure of the minority who led the smear campaign against Minister Robinson,” he added.

For his part, the Vice President for the Pacific Region of the Center for Israeli and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) condemned the case of double standards.

Niko Slobinski recalled what he considered to be pro-Palestinian slips made by other members of the government, such as Selina Robinson, who were not sanctioned.

“Given the apparent double standards and the loss of Jewish representation in his cabinet, Prime Minister David Eby should share the steps he plans to take to repair the relationship between the community and his government and restore trust,” Mr. Slobinski argued.