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School Faces Backlash for Arabic "O Canada" After Tragedy

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Earl Haig Secondary School faced backlash for playing an Arabic version of "O Canada" on October 7, a day of Hamas violence.
Principal Steve Yee said the incident was unintentional and future performances will be in English, French, or instrumental versions.
The school later learned former student Judih Weinstein Haggai was among those murdered by Hamas, and the principal proposed a future moment of silence to honor her memory.

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Story summary

Earl Haig Secondary School faced backlash for playing an Arabic version of "O Canada" on October 7, a day of Hamas violence.
Principal Steve Yee said the incident was unintentional and future performances will be in English, French, or instrumental versions.
The school later learned former student Judih Weinstein Haggai was among those murdered by Hamas, and the principal proposed a future moment of silence to honor her memory.