An Alberta MLA is facing criticism from a prominent Jewish organization over her anti-Israel commentary.
The Jewish Federation of Edmonton has accused Edmonton NDP MLA Janis Irwin of cozying up to people who support “the erasure of the state of Israel without condemning Hamas, a recognized terrorist entity by the Government of Canada.”
Among other things, Irwin shared a post denying that Hamas committed mass rapes against Israeli women.
This comes despite testimonies showcasing sexual violence from Israeli women, and the United Nations finding “reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence — including rape and gang-rape — occurred across multiple locations of Israel and the Gaza periphery during the attacks on Oct. 7.”
In a statement posted to X, the Jewish Federation of Edmonton accused Irwin of “ardently demonstrating that she does not support all Albertans, including those impacted by the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack.”
Since Oct. 7, Irwin has shared numerous posts on X promoting anti-Israel protests, several of which she has attended.
“Extremist views do nothing to support the peace process or steps towards a two-state solution. It also creates unsafe environments for many (Jewish Edmontonians), including students,” said the Jewish group.
The organization hopes Irwin will show solidarity with the Jewish community and attend an Empty Shabbat Table installation at the Alberta legislature grounds on Friday, to mark six months since the Oct. 7 attack.
“She has never attended any events or vigils calling for the release of the hostages,” the organization noted.
Irwin’s office did not respond to a request for comment from True North about the federation’s criticism or whether Irwin would attend the event.
Irwin did, however, share an X post from freelance writer Jeremy Appel criticizing the federation.
“Anyone even remotely acquainted with Janis Irwin knows that the insinuation here, that her support for the Palestinian cause is rooted in anti-Jewish prejudice, is an entirely malicious fabrication,” said Appel’s post.