Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) Condemns Ottawa School’s Reversal on Use of Arabic-Language Song about Peace

Following the ceremony, some parents and students, particularly within the Jewish community, expressed discomfort, claiming that the song was inappropriate and distressing. This reaction was echoed by Lisa MacLeod, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nepean, who criticized the school’s decision and called for the principal to be fired. As a result, Principal Aaron Hobbs, initially defending the decision as an effort to promote diversity and inclusion, subsequently issued a formal apology, stating that the song’s selection had caused “significant distress” and was not aligned with the values of respect and unity upheld by the school.

“The selective outrage and swift backlash reveal a troubling double standard that unfairly targets Palestinian and Arabic cultural expression, framing it as inherently controversial or politically charged,” said Jamila Ewais, Lead Researcher of the ARPCF. Such responses reveal an underlying bias that labels Arabic expression as inappropriate in spaces intended to promote inclusivity and unity, while political calls to dismiss those who embrace diverse voices threaten educators’ freedom to genuinely foster inclusivity. Labeling Arabic as “controversial” perpetuates harmful stereotypes, linking the language—and by extension, Palestinian and Arab communities—with conflict or extremism. This prejudice not only marginalizes the Palestinian community further but also undermines Canada’s professed commitment to multicultural inclusivity.

Ewais pointed out that choosing an Arabic song titled “This is Peace,” written by Japanese-Kuwaiti singer Maryam Shehab, and conveying a message of peace, does not equate to endorsing a political stance. By including this song in Remembrance Day ceremonies, the school recognized peace as a universal value, celebrated across languages and cultures. Yet the reaction to this choice underscores how Arabic and Palestinian voices are reflexively excluded or viewed with suspicion, while similar expressions from other cultures face no such scrutiny.  Such attitudes reflect deep anti-Palestinian racism, as defined in the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association report, “Anti-Palestinian Racism: Naming, Framing and Manifestations.” 

The ARPCF recommends that educational institutions protect educators' rights by establishing policies against political interference, safeguarding staff from unjust dismissal over inclusive decisions. Schools should promote cultural competency with mandatory anti-bias training and develop inclusive curriculum guidelines that reflect students' diverse identities. Providing resources, such as legal assistance, for educators facing backlash and fostering open dialogue with communities will support these initiatives. The ARPCF urges leaders to reject narratives that demonize Arabic and Palestinian cultural expressions and take steps to dismantle biases, ensuring all communities feel respected and represented in Canadian narratives of peace and remembrance.