A prominent legal organization is facing criticism for cancelling a speech by a noted entrepreneur and humanitarian advocate after, it says, some members expressed concerns about his position on Israel’s war in Gaza.
Tareq Hadhad, the founder of Peace by Chocolate, had been selected by the Advocates’ Society, a national non-profit group made up of some 6,000 judges, lawyers and advocates, to deliver the keynote address at its highly anticipated end-of-term dinner, in Toronto in June. On its website, the organization says it was “established to ensure the presence of a courageous and independent bar.”
But in a message to its members on Wednesday, the group said that invitation was rescinded after some members raised concerns about his “public posts on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
“We recognize that, by selecting Mr. Hadhad, we have harmed many of our members and made them feel unwelcome,” it said.
The message did not point to any specific posts made by Hadhad or elaborate on what about them raised concerns.
But the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association (CMLA) says when it pressed the society, it was told the concerns stemmed from complaints about Hadhad’s use of the term “genocide” on social media, particularly in the context of human rights discussions, adding he had not provided what they deemed “equal comment” on other impacted groups.
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When asked, the Advocates’ Society would not confirm those specifics to CBC News.
In a statement, it said the reaction “made it clear that our plans were pushing members apart, not bringing us together. With regret, we have concluded that this is not the right time or event for this speaker to address our members.”
“The decision was not due to any specific social media post, but rather the impact this discussion had on our members, creating division and harm for some, instead of community and collegiality.”
Hadhad arrived in Canada as a refugee in 2015 after the war in his native Syria displaced millions, and quickly made headlines for his entrepreneurship after recreating his family’s chocolate business.
It’s for that reason that the society chose him for its keynote, saying in its message to members Hadhad “has an inspiring personal story about his perseverance as a Syrian refugee.”
Hadhad said he was “honoured” by the invitation and “surprised” when it was rescinded.
“I stand firm on my values and I am proud of who I am. My story is not political, it is personal. It is rooted in lived experience,” he said in a statement to CBC News.
“I will continue to use my voice to advocate for human rights and the belief that every person deserves to live in peace and with respect.”
Hadhad added that his speech would have focused on “values that unite” and the “dignity of every human being.”
In an open letter to the society, the CMLA noted Hadhad has earned widespread recognition for his story, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, in addition to being invited to speak by numerous Canadian financial institutions and consulting services.
As for any concerns raised about the use of the term genocide to refer to Israel’s actions in Gaza, it pointed out that top human rights organizations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have already argued Israel’s actions amount to genocide.
The International Court of Justice has also ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent any acts contrary to the 1948 Genocide Convention in its war in Gaza, and the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for specific Israeli officials for war crimes. Israel has vehemently denied those charges.
“By policing views on this issue, the Society is making it very clear that it is not committed to diversity of opinion or colour and sending a clear message to its visible minority members that they are not welcome,” CMLA chair Husein Panju said in the letter.
“The Society’s actions show that it and its board place a higher value on appeasing certain anonymous constituencies than on promoting free speech, intercultural dialogue, inclusivity, and the open exchange of ideas. We can think of few things that are more at odds with fundamental Canadian values.”
In its statement to CBC News, the society said it is “committed to creating a vibrant, diverse, welcoming and inclusive environment for all advocates” and that it is “actively reaching out to members and leaders of legal organizations to listen, learn, and seek to restore the trust of our membership.”
But for employment and human rights lawyer Muneeza Sheikh, the society’s about-face sends a different message.
“The fact that someone as passionate about human rights as Mr. Hadhad can get booted off a prominent legal stage (with young, racialized lawyers watching) in this manner sends a clear message: those who stand for human rights are screened first as to whose human rights they are standing for,” she wrote to CBC News.
“That is not OK,” she continued. “My friends in the legal community are not OK. Free speech has become a casualty in the Ontario legal community, which is shocking given that it is an imperative when looking at human rights — furthermore, thought crimes are punishable in the worst way.”
Hadhad, meanwhile, says he will continue to do what he has done since arriving in Canada: aiming to build bridges through dialogue.
“I believe in creating spaces where stories of hope and peace can be heard without fear or division.”
