Ottawa's Capital Pride draws backlash following pledge to stand in solidarity with Palestinians

Capital Pride, the LGBTQ2S+ organization that puts on Ottawa's annual pride parade, is drawing backlash from Jewish community groups following a statement this week expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

Capital Pride, the LGBTQ2S+ organization that puts on Ottawa's annual pride parade, is drawing backlash from Jewish community groups following a statement this week expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

The statement, issued Tuesday, addresses the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, saying the conflict has led to rising levels of antisemitism and Islamophobia worldwide, including in Canada.

"Over the past year, we have been witness to escalating levels of violence in Israel and Palestine. We are aware of how polarizing this conflict has been and how painful it is for members of our local communities to witness the ongoing death and devastation inflicted on innocent civilians. In this moment, 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations across the country and around the world have been called upon to take action," the statement says.

Capital Pride says it is committed to creating safe spaces for all queer and trans people and stressed that intolerance has no place at its events.

"Following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the world watched in horror as the full extent of the atrocities committed against civilians were uncovered. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the acts of terrorism committed that day," Capital Pride says. "By the same token, we cannot stay silent in the face of Israel’s endless and brutal campaign in Gaza and mounting violence in the West Bank, where innocent Palestinians—many of whom have friends, families and loved ones in our communities—are being slaughtered, dehumanized and dispossessed of their land in flagrant violation of international law."

The Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023 killed 1,200 people and more than 250 people were taken hostage. Israel's retaliation has led to widespread destruction and displacement in Gaza. Nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's health ministry. Survivors face a deepening humanitarian crisis as Israeli restrictions and the ongoing fighting limit people's ability to access medical supplies and food.

Capital Pride's statement went on to accuse Israel of "pinkwashing" the war in Gaza. Pinkwashing is a term used to describe when entities such as corporations or governments use pro-LGBTQ2S+ messaging to downplay other, more negative elements.