Several Jewish organizations in Canada are criticizing Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow for her remarks at a fundraising event, where she referred to Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide. Chow made the comments during a gala for the National Council of Canadian Muslims at the Pearson Convention Centre. In a video clip that has circulated on social media, she stated, "the genocide in Gaza impacts us all," and emphasized the need to speak out against violence affecting children globally.

Chow also drew a personal connection to the suffering of Palestinian families, sharing her mother's experience as a child in China during Japan's World War II invasion. She recounted how her mother, at just 13 years old, was responsible for the survival of her younger brothers after their grandmother died.

The Tafsik Organization, a Canadian Jewish civil rights group, was among the first to respond, labeling Chow's comments as "disgraceful, reckless and dangerously irresponsible." Executive Director Amir Epstein described her statement as a "slap in the face to Jews in Toronto, across Canada, and around the world," and called for her formal rejection by the Jewish community. He stated that Chow is no longer welcome at Tafsik events and urged other Jewish organizations to take similar actions.

B’nai Brith Canada also condemned Chow's remarks. Richard Robertson, the organization's director of research and advocacy, called for her to retract her statement and apologize. He expressed concern that her comments could further inflame tensions in a city already grappling with divisions since the October 7 terror attacks. Robertson stated, "The Mayor, through her decision to callously spread disinformation, has emboldened those who wish to use geopolitical issues to justify the spread of hate domestically."

The Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation (CAEF) criticized Chow for comparing Israel's military actions to Japan's invasion of China, calling the genocide claim "false and defamatory." They argued that her words could expose the Jewish community in Toronto to increased risks of violence, especially in light of recent attacks on Jewish businesses and institutions. CAEF has called for Chow's resignation and for her to be banned from Jewish events.

The Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI) also joined the chorus of criticism, urging Chow to retract her comments and apologize publicly. Founder and CEO Avi Benlolo stated, "These reckless and irresponsible remarks only serve to inflame tensions, distort the truth, and fuel antisemitism."

As of now, Chow's office has not publicly responded to the backlash. The situation continues to develop as various organizations express their outrage over her statements.