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A prominent legal organization faced criticism for canceling speeches from prominent entrepreneurs and humanitarian advocates, with some members expressing concern about his position in Israel’s war in Gaza.
Chocolate Peace Founder Tareq Hadhad was selected by the Advocates’ Society, a national nonprofit organization composed of about 6,000 judges, lawyers and advocates, delivered a keynote at a highly anticipated final dinner in Toronto in June. The organization said on its website that it “established the existence of “the brave and independent bars.”
But in a message to its members on Wednesday, the group said the invitation was cancelled after some members expressed concerns about “his public posts about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
It said: “We recognize that by choosing Mr. Hahad, we have harmed many members and made them feel unwelcome.”
The information does not point out any specific posts made by Hadhad, nor does it detail the attention they have attracted.
But the Canadian Muslim Lawyer Association (CMLA) said that when it puts pressure on society, people’s concerns stem from complaints about Hahad’s use of the term “genocide” on social media, especially in the context of human rights discussions, adding that he did not provide “equivalent comments” to other affected groups.
Tareq Hadhad came to Canada as a Syrian refugee and earned his citizenship with perfect results through chocolate.
When asked in time, the advocate society will not be able to confirm these details of CBC News.
“The response clearly shows that our plan is separating members rather than bringing us together. Unfortunately, we concluded that this is not the right time or activity for the spokesperson to speak to our members,” it said in a statement.
“This decision is not attributed to any particular social media post, but rather the impact that discussion has on our members, divisive and hurtful for some people, not the community and cooperation.”
“I stick to my values”
Hadhad arrived in Canada as a refugee after displaced in his native Syria in 2015 and quickly became headlines for his entrepreneurial spirit after recreating his family’s chocolate business.
It is for this reason that society chose his keynote speech and said in a message to member Hadhad that “there is an inspiring personal story about his perseverance as a Syrian refugee.”
Hahad said he was invited to be “honored” and was “surprised” when it was revoked.
“I firmly stick to my values and I am proud of who I am. My story is not political, it is personal. It stems from life experience,” he said in a statement to CBC News.
“I will continue to use my voice to advocate for human rights and believe that everyone should be peaceful and respectful.”
Hahad added that his speech will focus on “the values of unity” and “the dignity of everyone.”
Accused of “police perspective”
In an open letter to the association, CMLA noted that Hadhad was widely recognized for his story, including the Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, in addition to being invited by Canadian financial institutions and consulting services.
As for any concerns raised about the term genocide to refer to Israel’s actions in Gaza, it noted that the highest human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have argued that Israel’s actions are genocide.
The International Court of Justice also ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent violations against the 1948 Genocide Convention in the Gaza War, and the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for war crimes in specific Israel. Israel strongly denied the allegations.
CMLA President Husein Panju said in a letter: “By policing perspective on this issue, the association made it very clear that it is not committed to diversity or diversity of colors and sends clear messages to its visible minority members who are not welcome.”
“The association’s actions show that it and its board have higher value in appeasement of certain anonymous constituencies, rather than promoting freedom of speech, intercultural dialogue, inclusion and open exchange of ideas. Several things we can think of are even more inconsistent with the basic Canadian values.”
In a statement to CBC News, the association said it “committed to create a vibrant, diverse, enthusiastic and inclusive environment for all advocates” and “actively engage with members and leaders of legal organizations to listen, learn and seek to restore trust in our membership.”
But for employment and human rights lawyer Muneeza Sheikh, the association’s face-to-face message conveys different messages.
She wrote to CBC News.
“It’s okay,” she continued. “My friends in the legal world are not normal. Freedom of speech has become a casualty in the Ontario legal world, and it is shocking that when observing human rights, it is essential – and in addition, the view that crime is to be punished in the worst way.”
Meanwhile, Hadhad said he will continue to do what he has done since he arrived in Canada: aiming to build bridges through dialogue.
“I believe in creating spaces where you can hear stories of hope and peace without fear or division.”
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