NDP leader Lewis criticized for saying Jews ‘failed to do our part’ to stop Gaza war

NDP leader Avi Lewis has come under fire for suggesting on social media that Jews, including himself, have failed to do their part to stop Israel's violence in Gaza. Lewis made the comments during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, reflecting on geopolitics. He stated that his reflection includes the belief that "we failed to do our part to stop an ongoing genocide committed in our name."

However, Jewish Liberal MPs Anthony Housefather and Ben Carr have criticized Lewis, arguing that it is wrong to hold Jews accountable for the actions of the Israeli government. The federal government defines antisemitism as disallowing the collective blame of Jews for Israel's actions, as it can incite anti-Jewish hatred. Such a notion of collective responsibility has been linked to several incidents of violence against Jewish institutions, including a shooting near a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario, on Sunday.

This story, originally reported by The Canadian Press on September 21, 2026, highlights the controversy surrounding Lewis' remarks and the broader issue of collective Jewish accountability.