Ottawa principal apologizes for playing Arabic song during Remembrance Day ceremony
An Ottawa high school principal has recently issued an apology for including an Arabic song about peace during a Remembrance Day ceremony, which sparked criticism from members of the Jewish community. The ceremony, held at Sir Robert Borden High School, featured a song titled “Haza Salam,” with the intention of promoting a message of peace and unity. However, the song caused distress among some members of the school community.
Principal Aaron Hobbs expressed his regret for the inclusion of the song, acknowledging that it was not in line with the values of respect and unity that the school upholds. The song, when translated to English, means “This Is Peace,” and while it does not directly reference the conflict in the Middle East, it has been associated with humanitarian issues in Gaza and the suffering of Palestinians.
Criticism of the song extended beyond the school community, with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa expressing deep concern over its use during the ceremony. Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, known for her support of Israel, also voiced her disapproval and requested disciplinary measures be taken. Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the use of divisive causes on Remembrance Day, though he did not specifically mention the school ceremony.
Veteran Sean Bruyea condemned the inclusion of the song, stating that it detracts from the sacrifices made by Canadian veterans and goes against the purpose of serving in the military. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is currently investigating the incident to ensure the integrity of the ceremony.
Despite the backlash, several human rights advocacy groups have condemned the criticism as anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab. The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all individuals, where diversity is respected and celebrated. The controversy surrounding the inclusion of the Arabic song highlights the complexities of balancing cultural sensitivity and honoring traditions during commemorative events.
