FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WINNIPEG, 15 October 2026 — Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) welcomes Manitoba’s recognition of anti-Palestinian racism and calls on other provinces and the federal government to take the same step.
Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy announced the recognition at an Islamic Heritage Month reception at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Wednesday, October 14. The announcement followed welcoming remarks from Premier Wab Kinew to the 140 people gathered in the Legislature’s Rotunda.
“IJV Winnipeg is very pleased to see the Manitoba government take this groundbreaking step, becoming the first Canadian province and highest level of government anywhere to officially recognize Anti-Palestinian Racism,” said Harold Shuster of IJV’s Winnipeg chapter.
An April 2022 framework developed by the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association defines anti-Palestinian racism (APR) as a form of anti-Arab racism that silences, excludes, erases, stereotypes, defames or dehumanizes Palestinians or their narratives. Its manifestations include denying the Nakba, justifying violence against Palestinians, excluding Palestinian perspectives, and portraying Palestinians and their allies as inherently antisemitic or as terrorist threats or sympathizers.
“As Jewish Canadians, as Jewish Manitobans, we have felt a responsibility to contribute to this work in part due to the insidious role bad-faith accusations of antisemitism have played in contributing to APR,” said Shuster. “Yesterday’s recognition demonstrates that the fight against racism and discrimination is indivisible and that antisemitism must be fought alongside anti-Palestinian racism, not contribute to it.”
IJV congratulates Manitoba’s Palestinian community and the organizations whose advocacy helped secure this recognition, including the Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba, the National Council of Canadian Muslims, and the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association. IJV is proud to have contributed to these efforts through advocacy with the Government of Manitoba over the past year.
“The Province of Manitoba has shown the courage to come out in front on this issue. Now it’s time for other provinces as well as the federal government to follow suit,” concluded Shuster.
About Independent Jewish Voices
Independent Jewish Voices Canada (IJV) is a grassroots organization grounded in Jewish tradition that opposes all forms of racism and advocates for justice and peace for all in Palestine-Israel. Our strength comes from our members. IJV has active chapters in cities and on university campuses across Canada.
Media contact:
Nir Hagigi, Communications Coordinator
Independent Jewish Voices
communications@ijvcanada.org
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