Montreal Anti-Racism Commissioner Sues Canadian Jewish Organization for Defamation

Bouchra Manaï, former commissioner for combating racism and systemic discrimination in Montreal, Canada, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) in Canada. Manaï demands $125,000 in damages, including $100,000 for harm to her reputation and $25,000 as punitive damages. She accuses the organization of running a smear campaign against her, including comparing her to Adolf Hitler and accusing her of failing in her roles related to fighting racism and discrimination.

The lawsuit follows public criticism from CIJA after the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks, when the organization called on Valérie Plante, Montreal’s mayor from 2017 to 2025, to replace Manaï. CIJA also accused Manaï of inaction regarding attacks on Jewish institutions in Montreal, such as Molotov cocktail incidents and shootings near Jewish schools. Manaï, known for her involvement in the 2019 legal challenge against Quebec’s secularism law (Bill 21), participated in November 2023 protests calling for a total ceasefire, condemning violence and both Islamophobia and antisemitism.

The court documents show judicial support for Manaï’s claims, highlighting that comparing her to a figure responsible for genocide and antisemitism severely damages her dignity and self-worth. Manaï’s legal representation is civil rights lawyer Julius Grey. CIJA has declined to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings. The Jewish community in Montreal has faced increased harassment and violence, especially since the outbreak of the Iron Swords war, intensifying tensions amid this legal dispute.