Nenshi’s message about a photo with Ambassador Moed disappoints Alberta Jewish federations

by AJNews staff

(AJNews) – Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi found himself in some hot water this week over a photo that was taken of him with Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed, while he was attending a Stampede event hosted by the Calgary Jewish Federation, CIJA and Jewish Federation of Edmonton.

In a message, the leader of the opposition apologized for “the harm” that the photograph caused. He stated that at the event he’d had a “brief and frank exchange [with the Ambassador] during which the photo was taken.”

The brief encounter was not an endorsement of the Israeli government but “after talking to so many people in the community over the last couple of days, I better understand the immense hurt that has been caused to a lot of folks,” wrote Nenshi.

In his statement he reiterated that “the Alberta NDP strongly believes in human rights and international law. Our position on this has never changed.”

He stated that “the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza have violated international law” and that in southern Lebanon, the ancestral home of many Albertans was bombed as part of a sustained campaign.”

He concluded that “even at home, we’re seeing increases in anger, hatred, anti-Palestinian racism and antisemitism. I believe and will always believe that we have the ability here to be models for the world on how people of different faiths can live together purposefully and lift one another up to ensure we all live a life of dignity. I have dedicated my life to that goal, and I’ll never waver from it.”

Calgary Jewish Federation CEO Rob Nagus, Jewish Federation of Edmonton CEO Stacey Leavitt-Wright and CIJA spokesperson Marley Gilles issued a response to Nenshi’s message saying that they were deeply disappointed by the decision of Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi to “disavow” the photograph. “The expectation that elected officials must apologize for a photograph in a public diplomatic interaction sets a troubling precedent and risks creating an environment where engagement itself becomes impossible,” they added.

The Federation CEO’s expressed concern that Nenshi’s statement went “beyond acknowledging hurt for a photograph and represents a one-sided and harmful accusation against Israel. These statements legitimize hostility toward Israel and fuel antisemitism. Actions like this make Alberta Jewish communities feel increasingly isolated and targeted.”

“We reject the idea that a choice must be made between supporting Palestinian civilians and standing against antisemitism,” they added. “Albertans can hold compassion for innocent lives on all sides while unequivocally condemning terrorism and opposing the alarming rise in antisemitism here at home.”

“At a time when antisemitism and polarization are ever present, we need leaders who are willing to foster understanding, not retreat from it. Political leaders should be judged by their willingness to engage responsibly, represent all constituents, and uphold the democratic values that allow for dialogue, disagreement, and diplomacy,” conclude Nagus, Leavitt-Wright and Gilles.

“We remind the Official Leader of the Opposition and all elected officials that engaging in conversation is a fundamental part of leadership. We remain committed to dialogue, mutual respect, and building an Alberta where every community feels safe, heard and valued.”