Formal Request to Remove Omar Alghabra from the Ministerial Advisory Council

Dear Senator Gold,

I am writing to you as a concerned Canadian citizen regarding the recent appointment of Omar Alghabra to the Ministerial Advisory Council tasked with addressing antisemitism in Canada.

In just four days since launching a petition on Change.org calling for Omar Alghabra’s removal from this Council, it has already garnered over 2,000 signatures. This rapid response reflects widespread outrage and deep concern among many Canadians, particularly within the Jewish community. 

Omar Alghabra’s past advocacy and associations with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah make his inclusion on a council dedicated to combating antisemitism highly inappropriate. It is widely perceived as an insult—a slap in the face—to Jewish Canadians and to all Canadians who expect integrity and credibility in efforts to fight hate. 

I respectfully but firmly urge you to formally request the immediate removal of Omar Alghabra from this Council. His continued presence undermines the Council’s legitimacy and the government’s stated commitment to addressing antisemitism seriously.

If you are unwilling to make this request, I believe you should resign from any related roles on principle, particularly as a Jewish Canadian who has held prominent positions of public trust.

The fight against antisemitism requires individuals whose records demonstrate unwavering opposition to terror groups and genuine support for the Jewish community. Appointing someone with Alghabra’s history sends the wrong message at a time when Jewish Canadians are facing unprecedented levels of hate.

I look forward to your prompt action on this critical matter and would appreciate a response outlining your position.

Sincerely,

Gordon Akum