Canadian Municipal Candidate Sparks Outrage With Anti-Zionist Remarks

A municipal election candidate in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, has ignited controversy following the release of a video where she stated that Zionists "must be locked up." Rasha Zaid, a pro-Palestinian activist running in the city's fourth district, was filmed at a rally declaring, "Anyone who declares themselves a Zionist must be locked up. They are terrorists." She further asserted, "We will not be free as long as they are among us." Additional social media footage shows her chanting that "all Zionists are racist" and "terrorists." Posts attributed to her accounts also suggested that antisemitism and certain attacks were staged to garner international sympathy.

When questioned by the Jerusalem Post, Rasha Zaid contested the interpretation of her statements. She claims she is not calling for the imprisonment of individuals solely for identifying as Zionist, but rather targeting those she believes support crimes against civilians. "My words are directed at people who support the murder of children and civilians," she stated, arguing that selected clips of her speech were disseminated out of context. She also emphasized the distinction between Judaism and Zionism.

Rasha Zaid's candidacy for the October municipal elections is officially confirmed by the City of Windsor. She is set to compete against incumbent councilor Mark McKenzie, among others. Michael Teper, a leader of several Canadian Jewish organizations, has condemned what he describes as a rise in candidacies openly hostile to Israel and its supporters. He warned that their entry into local institutions could threaten Jewish life in Canada.