Liberal MP Adam van Koeverden says that he regrets publicly calling Israel’s war against Hamas a “genocide,” but will not say whether or not he has changed his views on the war.
Just weeks earlier, Van Koeverden attended an event at a local mosque, where he promised a room of men that he would represent the Muslim community’s views on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“And I just want everybody to know that our voices, your voices, will be strong in Ottawa. Strong to condemn the genocide and end the genocide in Gaza, to continue to make sure that Palestinian voices are heard in Ottawa by our leaders,” said van Koeverden.
After receiving significant criticism for his comments, Van Koeverden attended an event hosted by the Lions of Judah at the Shaarei-Beth El synagogue in Oakville. At the event, Van Koeverden was asked about his accusation of “genocide,” to which he apologized for the impact his words had on Jewish Canadians.
“You’re asking me that because I used the term recently in public, so I want to acknowledge that that’s caused significant harm and I regret using such an inflammatory term,” said Van Koeverden.
Van Koeverden went on to declare his support for Israel’s sovereignty and Canada’s Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism.
“First, Israel has entirely the right to exist and defend itself, that Hamas is a terrorist organization, and that what happened on October 7th two years ago was a terrorist act and horrible,” said Van Koeverden.
“The rise in antisemitism in Canada is absolutely unacceptable, the rise in fear that Jewish Canadians have lived with is absolutely unacceptable and anybody that’s made to live in fear as a result of activism or protests is also unacceptable.”
Van Koeverden’s message to Jewish constituents starkly contrasts with the message he delivered just weeks ago to Muslim Canadians. He touted his membership in the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Van Koeverden has also been vocally anti-Israel in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attack against Israel, signing a controversial letter on Oct. 20 2023 calling on Israel to immediately adhere to a ceasefire just over a week after launching their counteroffensive against Hamas.
He also signed the “Vote Palestine” pledge, committing to support a two-way arms embargo on Israel, end Canadian involvement in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, recognize Palestinian statehood, and more.
Van Koeverden, an Liberal MP since 2019, is running for re-election in the new riding of Burlington North—Milton West.
True North reached out to Van Koeverden for comment, though no response was given.