Selena Robinson’s Struggles with the NDP and Antisemitism
Selena Robinson, a former minister in British Columbia’s NDP government, has faced a challenging year. After being removed from her cabinet position over controversial remarks about Israel, Robinson is speaking out about the issues she believes exist within her party.
Her removal came after she made statements during an online panel on January 30, 2023, hosted by B’nai Brith Canada. Robinson described Israel’s founding territory as “a piece of land with nothing on it.” These comments sparked widespread criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, leading to calls for her resignation.
Despite issuing apologies and offering to attend anti-Islamophobia training, Robinson’s comments were condemned by Premier David Eby. By March 2023, she was sitting as an independent and decided not to run for re-election later that year. Now, Robinson is sharing her experiences in her new memoir, Truth Be Told, which was published on December 18, 2024.
Growing Antisemitism in Progressive Politics
In her memoir, Robinson highlights what she sees as a rise in antisemitism within progressive circles. She argues that this trend is especially visible in the federal New Democratic Party (NDP). According to Robinson, progressive values used to align with Jewish principles, but she feels this is no longer the case.
She believes that antisemitism has grown over the years among extreme voices in progressive movements. These voices, Robinson says, have become mainstream in certain groups, including union leadership.
- Union Concerns: Robinson states that Jewish voices are often silenced in discussions on racism.
- Leftist Politics: She also criticizes progressive leaders for aligning with groups that she believes are anti-Israel.
Robinson points out that this shift in values is not only harmful but also dangerous. “I believe that Jack Layton, a former leader of the NDP, would be horrified to see the party today,” she says.
Challenges Within the NDP
Selena Robinson’s departure from the NDP stemmed largely from her frustration with the lack of support she received during a difficult time. She alleges that her colleagues failed to stand by her when she faced threats, intimidation, and hateful behavior due to her Jewish identity.
Lack of Support
Robinson points out that no one in the NDP publicly defended her against antisemitic attacks, leaving her to navigate these challenges on her own. She describes this silence from her peers as deeply disappointing and contradictory to the party’s supposed values of inclusivity and fairness.
Political Contradictions
Robinson also criticizes the NDP’s approach to the Middle East, arguing that it is inconsistent with true progressive values. She believes that the party’s one-sided stance on Israel and its willingness to align with groups holding anti-Israel sentiments have further alienated Jewish voices within progressive spaces.
Motivation for Change
This lack of support and the political contradictions she observed inspired Robinson to write her memoir, Truth Be Told. Through her book, she hopes to spark meaningful conversations about the importance of standing against discrimination and ensuring that progressive movements remain inclusive.
Broader Reflections
As Robinson reflects on her experiences, she hopes that Canadians will carefully evaluate the values of political leaders and parties before casting their votes. Just as forecasting events like the “aurora borealis northern lights forecast” helps people prepare for changes, Robinson’s story encourages voters to anticipate and address the challenges of political shifts with informed decisions.
The Broader Impact of Political Alignments
Robinson also addresses the alliances she sees forming between progressive leaders and conservative Muslim groups that are anti-Israel. She views this as a dangerous trend that goes against the principles of fairness and inclusivity.
- Political Pandering: Robinson believes these alliances are an attempt to gain support from extremist voices.
- Impact on Jewish Communities: She warns that such actions could further marginalize Jewish communities in Canada.
Robinson’s Hopes for Change
Robinson is urging progressive leaders to rethink their approach through her book and public discussions. She wants them to listen to Jewish voices and uphold the values of equality and respect for all communities.
Her story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals who speak out against their own political parties. As Canada begins a new year, Robinson’s experiences spark important conversations about inclusivity, fairness, and the fight against discrimination.
