Ottawa Mayoral Candidate Promises Palestinian Flag Fly-over and Calls Gaza a Genocide

He also declared that the situation in Gaza meets the UN’s definition of genocide, citing the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry’s findings.

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The UN commission, chaired by Navi Pillay, issued its report in 2025, concluding that Israel bears responsibility for acts that fulfill the Genocide Convention criteria. Canada formally recognized the State of Palestine in September 2025, and the City of Ottawa’s flag policy states that any nation with diplomatic ties to Canada may have its flag flown on its national day.

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He added that his platform also includes standing against Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian discrimination, and antisemitism. The City of Ottawa’s website confirms the existing practice of flying flags of nations with diplomatic relations. Other mayoral candidates responded: Alex Lawson argued that only municipal, provincial, and national flags should be displayed, while incumbent Mayor Mark Sutcliffe’s campaign emphasized focus on municipal issues and cited the city’s “Faith Leaders Council” and “City of Kindness Summit” as mechanisms to combat hate.

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Richard Robertson, director of Research and Advocacy at B’nai Brith Canada, called the candidate’s focus on the Israel-Palestine conflict “deeply distressing,” warning that complex geopolitical issues should not be weaponized for electoral gain. Lawson’s statement echoed concerns about “monstrosities” being used to win votes and stressed community safety.

The Jerusalem Post

Saravanamuttoo referenced the UN report’s casualty figures, stating that 70,000 civilians have been killed in Gaza, including 20,000 children.

The Jerusalem Post

• “I’ve read the report of the UN’s independent International Commission of Inquiry, and I agree with the Commission’s findings that what’s happening in Gaza is a genocide,” — Neil Saravanamuttoo, an economist, podcaster, and organizer

The Jerusalem Post

• “As mayor, I will stand with those in our community who are suffering the grief of loss, the anguish of injustice. That’s why, as mayor, I will raise the Palestinian flag at City Hall, as we do for other states,” — Neil Saravanamuttoo, an economist, podcaster, and organizer

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• “It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention,” — Navi Pillay, the chair of the commission

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• “The monstrosities being committed across the world should not be used to try to get votes in a municipal election. We need to stay united in our communities. Everyone deserves to feel safe in our city and hate crimes will not be tolerated,” — Alex Lawson

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