NDP MPP Ejected, Censured For Pro-Palestine Comments

Hamilton MPP Sarah Jama, who criticized Israel’s occupation & apartheid in the Palestine while calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, has been expelled from the NDP caucus by leader Marit Stiles, just before being censured by the Ontario Legislature, meaning she will no longer be allowed to speak or serve on committees.

Jana’s first statement on the brutal violence in Israel & Gaza, released 3 days after the October 7th terrorist attacks by Hamas, criticized Israel’s occupation & apartheid as the root cause of the violence, the ending of which would be the only lasting peace. She also condemned Israel’s use of white phosphorus and blockading of food, water, & electricity, all of which are considered war crimes, and called for a ceasefire & de-escalation to prevent further deaths.

This statement, which did not mention Hamas or specifically condemn its terrorist attacks, which also constitute war crimes, led to weeks of pressure & criticism by the Progressive Conservative & Liberal parties, as well as constituents. Reacting to these, Jama, who does not post on social media frequently, apologized and clarified that she unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorism.

Jama has also threatened to sue Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford for libel, after he falsely claimed she supported “The rape & murder of Jewish people” and “has a long and well-documented history of antisemitism”.

3 days ago, the MPP announced that her Hamilton-Centre constituency office would no longer be available for walk-ins, with in-person meetings accepted by appointment only, due to “a number of concerning calls and emails that have made us question the safety of remaining open” presumably caused by the public backlash & rhetoric against her.

In what will likely be her last speech to the legislature for some time, she reiterated her calls for a ceasefire, (which have since been joined by many federal MPP’s, including Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May & Liberal leadership candidate Nathaniel Erskine-Smith) and insisted the situation has only worsened since she first spoke out.

“Since I made my statement, Israel has bombed refugee camps, UN schools, hospitals, airports & the Rafah border crossing between Gaza & Egypt. The unspeakable destruction continues, & represents collective punishment against all Gazans in retaliation for attacks by Hamas.

The Ford government has nothing meaningful to say about these atrocities, and has now targeted me to distract from its own scandals. Those of us committed to Palestinian life refuse to be distracted.” She said.

“I ground my words in the realities of Israeli apartheid, and Israel’s ongoing domination and occupation of Palestinian lands. Governments and institutions in Canada are trying to use their weight to silence us. To silence workers, students, educators, and peace-loving people who dare to support Palestine. To every person taking risks to speak up for Palestinian dignity and safety, I see you, I hear you, and I am with you.”

Sarah Jama has a long history as an activist for disability rights, anti-racism & human rights. In 2018 she founded the Disability Justice Network Ontario. In 2021, she founded the Hamilton Encampment Support Network, which focused on affordable housing access. Later that year she received media attention after being arrested in Hamilton while at a protest against homeless encampment evictions, where she was accused of obstruction and assaulting a police officer before charges were withdrawn.

In 2023, Jama was elected as NDP MPP for Hamilton-Centre with 54% of the vote, after being the target of controversy during the campaign when comments of hers criticizing Israel & describing it as an apartheid state (a view shared by the United Nations & the human rights group Amnesty International) resurfaced.