Sask. premier speaks out against 'antisemitic chant' heard during pro-Palestinian protest at legislature

Premier Scott Moe has spoken out about what he called an "antisemitic chant" used during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at the legislature this week.

Moe said in a post Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that MLA Jennifer Bowes, the Opposition NDP's human rights critic, liked a video posted to Instagram in which people were chanting, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."

The slogan is a popular refrain in pro-Palestinian protests and was among multiple chants protesters used at the legislature this week.

"Why is the NDP supporting anti-Semitism?" Moe's post said.

Moe expressed similar sentiments when speaking with reporters Thursday.

"We have Jewish Canadians that work in this building and they heard some chants that are very much regarded as antisemitic chants, 'from the river to the sea' for example," he said.

Asked about the situation Thursday, Opposition Leader Carla Beck said that was the first time she had heard about it.

"But let me be very clear. The phrase that was used is not acceptable," Beck said. "I'll be looking into that and I'll deal with it."

Moe also accused Beck of holding a secret meeting with protesters.

Beck said her party has had many meetings with individuals concerned about the Israel-Hamas conflict, including one on Nov. 14 with students calling for a ceasefire, and with members of the Jewish community.

"None of these meetings are secret. It's so transparent."

Israel advocacy groups in Canada, such as the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, say the slogan is an antisemitic call for the ethnic cleansing of Jewish people.

"When someone says 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,' I question, 'Where do you see the Jews going?'" said Yair Szlak, president and CEO of Montreal-based Federation CJA.

"That is hate speech, right, because it is into the sea that they seek to send the Jews."