Legal group draws ire for cancelling humanitarian advocate’s speech over his stance on Gaza
The Advocates’ Society, a prominent legal organization consisting of judges, lawyers, and advocates, is facing backlash for canceling a speech by Tareq Hadhad, the founder of Peace by Chocolate. Hadhad, a noted entrepreneur and humanitarian advocate, had been selected to deliver the keynote address at the organization’s end-of-term dinner in Toronto in June.
The society cited concerns raised by some members about Hadhad’s position on Israel’s war in Gaza as the reason for rescinding the invitation. While the organization did not specify the exact posts that led to this decision, it mentioned that some members were troubled by Hadhad’s use of the term “genocide” on social media in the context of human rights discussions.
The Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association (CMLA) engaged with the society to understand the rationale behind the cancellation. They were informed that the concerns stemmed from the lack of what was deemed “equal comment” on other impacted groups by Hadhad. The CMLA highlighted that top human rights organizations have accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and criticized the society for policing views on this issue.
In response, the Advocates’ Society stated that the decision was not based on any specific social media post but rather the impact the discussion had on its members, creating division instead of unity. The society emphasized its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all advocates and is actively working to rebuild trust among its membership.
However, critics like employment and human rights lawyer Muneeza Sheikh believe that rescinding Hadhad’s invitation sends a concerning message about free speech and inclusivity within the legal community. Sheikh expressed disappointment in the society’s decision, stating that it unfairly paints Hadhad as a divisive figure and undermines the values of human rights advocacy.
Despite the setback, Hadhad remains committed to his mission of promoting peace and dialogue. He believes in creating spaces where stories of hope and unity can be shared without fear or division. Hadhad’s journey from Syrian refugee to successful entrepreneur and advocate for human rights serves as a testament to resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
As the Advocates’ Society faces criticism for its handling of the situation, it is essential for organizations to uphold principles of free speech, diversity, and inclusivity in order to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the legal community.
