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Invites Pro-BDS performer who previously equated Israel with Nazi Germany
- 01 May 2023
- 1:10 am
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- 01 May 2023
- 1:10 am
“This is… the murderous organization called mistakedly the Israeli defend forces. Mafia style, terror organization is more like it” posted Eytan Lerner in 2015 regarding a checkpoint shooting. The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg just sponsored an event where he was invited to perform a song about a fallen IDF soldier, outraging Winnipeg Israelis. (Photo: Facebook)
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The President of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg claimed his organization had nothing to do with a pro-BDS, anti-Zionist activist performing at the April 25 event commemorating those who have fallen in defence of the State of Israel. But the Israeli Canadian Council is not accepting that excuse from Gustavo Zentner.
At the Yom HaZikaron service at the Asper campus, Eytan Lerner performed the song הנסיך הקטן written about an IDF soldier.
Lerner is an alt-left Israeli, who has actively participated in events hosted by anti-Israel and pro-BDS organizations like Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) and local pro-Palestinian groups. He also participated in anti-Israel protests such as Nakba Day.
Israeli Canadian Council founder Ron East challenged Zentner’s excuses that the JFW were not responsible for the event and that “one of our partners approved the song before its performance.”
“The advertising for the event came directly from Federation and all contact information is that of Federation (see attached poster) it makes the event a Federation sanctioned event,” East, who is publisher of TheJ.ca, replied.
East had sent Zentner samples of Lerner’s vile attacks on Israelis, including a Facebook comment about an IDF story: “Not much different than the Nazi Germany practice in it’s beginning. The Israeli masters in their shameful every day practice”
In another post about a planned demolition for a settlement in Hebron, he stated “this old market is closed down for years all this in order for the master Jewish race to keep purity and to not have to meet any indigenous.”
In linking to a YouTube video, he stated “Israel has deteriorated much further downhill toward a fascist regime practices that toward the Palestinians at lease does resemble in may (sic) ways the Wiemar republic.”
A veteran whose mother was from Germany and also served in the IDF, East also told Zentner that he had personal experience with Lerner’s hate towards the defenders of Israel:
“I lead the pro-Israel contingents that showed up to Stand Up For Israel against these Israel haters. I am the one Eytan hurled insults at. Insults such as the ones he posted on his Facebook account.”
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Zentner unsuccessfully tried to deflect the issue from the performer being offensive, to the song he performed not being offensive.
He told East, “Yesterday evening’s event was a grassroots event that was put on by several community organizations, not just the Federation. The song that Eytan performed at the ceremony was not objectionable… Regarding Eytan’s political views, we do not comment on the political views of individuals, even if we may disagree with them.”
This was sharply rebuked by East: “If you would like to provide me with the organization which thought it would be a good idea to invite an anti-Israel performer to Yom HaZikaron I will gladly take this up with them. Otherwise the buck stops with the organization sanctioning the event – Federation.”
In an official statement by ICC, East asserted “It is outrageous that Federation had Mr. Lerner perform at the Yom HaZikaron service. It shows a lack of sensitivity by Federation towards this solemn day.”
East went on to say that “it is also a slap in the face to our Israeli community and to those of us who served in the IDF and lost loved ones to war and terror.”
“The hurtful impact of this decision is compounded by the fact that the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg is supposed to be an organization that supports and represents the Jewish community,” explained the ICC. “By including an artist with a history of anti-Israel statements in the Yom HaZikaron ceremony, they have failed to show solidarity and support for the Israeli people, and have instead caused immense pain and hurt.”
The advertising for the event came directly from Federation and all contact information is that of Federation (see attached poster) it makes the event a Federation sanctioned event. (Photo: Facebook)
The statement pointed out that “It is important to note that the impact of this decision is not limited to the families and friends of fallen soldiers and those who have served in the IDF. The Yom HaZikaron ceremony is a national day of remembrance for all Israelis, and the inclusion of an artist with a history of anti-Israel statements undermines the significance of this day for the entire Israeli community. It sends the message that political views are more important than the sacrifice and dedication of those who have given their lives in defense of their country.”
The ICC statement concluded, “It is important for organizations and individuals to remember the impact of their decisions on the Israeli people, and to show solidarity and support for those who have given their lives in defense of their country. We must never forget the sacrifice of those who have fallen, and we must always remember the importance of unity and solidarity in supporting the Israeli people and their struggles. The ICC expects Federation to do the right thing and provide a statement to the community and apologize to those who were impacted by this unnecessary event.”
(Editor’s Note: As of press time, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg has not divulged the name of the ‘grassroots’ sponsor of Lerner’s performance.)
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Thank you for choosing TheJ.Ca as your source for Canadian Jewish News.
We do news differently!
Our positioning as a Zionist News Media platform sets us apart from the rest. While other Canadian Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas, TheJ.Ca is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.
We revealed the incursion of anti-Israel progressive elements such as IfNotNow into our communities. We have exposed the distorted hateful agenda of the “progressive” left political radicals who brought Linda Sarsour to our cities, and we were first to report on many disturbing incidents of Nazi-based hate towards Jews across Canada.
But we can’t do it alone. We need your HELP!
Our ability to thrive and grow in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters like you.
Monthly support is a great way to help us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make to support Jewish Journalism.
We thank you for your ongoing support.
Happy reading!
Thank you for choosing TheJ.Ca as your source for Canadian Jewish News.
We do news differently!
Our positioning as a Zionist News Media platform sets us apart from the rest. While other Canadian Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas, TheJ.Ca is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.
We revealed the incursion of anti-Israel progressive elements such as IfNotNow into our communities. We have exposed the distorted hateful agenda of the “progressive” left political radicals who brought Linda Sarsour to our cities, and we were first to report on many disturbing incidents of Nazi-based hate towards Jews across Canada.
But we can’t do it alone. We need your HELP!
Our ability to thrive and grow in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters like you.
Monthly support is a great way to help us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make to support Jewish Journalism.
We thank you for your ongoing support.
Happy reading!
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