Jewish groups call for apology from Vancouver councillor over past statements

Jewish groups are calling for an apology from Vancouver councillor Sean Orr over alleged antisemitic statements made in 2021.

A newly elected Vancouver city councillor is facing backlash after old social media posts of his have resurfaced.

A number of local Jewish organizations are demanding Sean Orr apologize for what they say are antisemitic statements.

The controversy centres around a now deleted post made by Orr on social media platform X back in August 2021.

“Everyone knows Vancouver City planners are controlled by a secret cabal of Jews who have a bunker in the earth’s core fml,” read the post.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) says they are deeply disturbed by what they call the history of antisemitic statements made by Orr.

“This statement invokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope alleging Jewish control of political and economic systems — myths that have fueled discrimination, exclusion, and violence against Jews throughout history,” wrote the organizations in a joint statement released on Tuesday.

Orr responded on X saying his comment was taken out of context.

“In 2021, I sarcastically quoted the comedian David Cross while condemning an antisemitic dog whistle on Twitter. I was defending Karm Sumal against the claim he was a “globalist shill.” I have been outspoken over the years opposing all forms of racism including antisemitism,” wrote Orr.

He continued by saying it was unfortunate that his post has been misrepresented.

“My platform called out antisemitism by name and committed to fighting it, along with Islamophobia and other forms of racism. I am always willing to listen if people feel I can do more for their communities,” wrote Orr.

Orr also issued a statement directly to CTV News.

“I am unequivocally opposed to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all racism and discrimination. As city councillor, I will always be an ally to the Jewish community and fight for them against scapegoating and racism.”

The two Jewish groups also highlighted a post Orr made in October 2023, three weeks after Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people.

“Councillor Orr falsely accused the State of Israel of committing acts of genocide while it acted to defend its citizens and sovereign territory from terrorist aggression. Such reckless and inflammatory language not only distorts reality but also endangers Jewish communities by further inflaming antisemitism and denying Israel’s right to defend itself,” wrote the groups.

Orr stands by his criticism of Israel’s response to the attack.

“Criticizing the far-right Netanyahu govt for committing war crimes against civilian populations is the right thing to do. Criticizing that is not antisemitism. I agree with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and the International Criminal Court,” he wrote on X.

The groups say Orr’s statements have eroded trust in his ability to represent all residents of Vancouver. They are calling on him to retract his statements and issue an apology.

“At this time, we do not have confidence that Councillor Orr can represent the interests of all Vancouverites in a manner that upholds the principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging. The City of Vancouver deserves leadership that unites rather than divides,” say the groups in the joint statement.

However, Independent Jewish Voices Vancouver is condemning what it calls bad faith attacks on Orr.

“Councillor Orr has shown integrity and courage in condemning Israeli war crimes and speaking out in defence of Palestinian human rights,” wrote IJVV.

“We need more elected officials like Sean Orr — leaders with the courage to speak uncomfortable truths, resist the politicized weaponization of antisemitism, and uphold universal human rights,” IJVV continued.

The leader of the opposition B.C. Conservatives has called out Orr’s statements on X.

“This is some of the worst antisemitism we’ve seen from a public official in Vancouver, which is sadly a high bar to cross,” wrote John Rustad, calling on Orr to issue an apology.

Orr — a member of Vancouver’s Coalition of Progressive Electors party — has garnered more votes than any other candidate in this past weekend’s byelection with 34,448 ballots cast in his favour, according to preliminary results.

The byelection was seen as a referendum on Mayor Ken Sim’s leadership.

His ABC party failed to elect either of its two byelection candidates, but it will continue to dominate council with six of 10 seats. Sim is scheduled to hold a press conference with local Jewish leaders Wednesday morning amidst what his office calls “recent developments of public concern.”

Orr’s comments are expected to largely dominate the discussion.