According to commentator Avi Benlolo, Canada is witnessing a concerning and coordinated effort to advance Palestinian political narratives while systematically working to delegitimize the State of Israel. In a recent column, Benlolo argues that Canadian civic and cultural institutions are increasingly becoming battlegrounds in this ideological campaign, which he describes as an attempt to "de-Zionize" public spaces and discourse.
Symbolic Battles: Flags and Museum Exhibits
Benlolo points to several high-profile examples of what he sees as this insidious campaign. He strongly criticizes the raising of the Palestinian flag at Toronto City Hall on November 17, 2025, labeling it the "flag of terror." He connects this symbol directly to Hamas, noting that terrorists wore it on their fatigues while delivering the body of murdered Thai farmer Sudthisak Rinthalak, who was kidnapped on October 7th.
Another focal point of his criticism is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. Benlolo accuses the museum of ignoring its foundational principles by hosting a controversial exhibit on the Nakba, which he claims normalizes a violent Palestinian ideology. He questions whether CEO Isha Khan will respond to concerns outlined in a letter from the Jewish community.
Municipal Pressure and Stealth Campaigns
The campaign, Benlolo asserts, is not confined to major cities. He reports that small towns and municipalities are also being targeted. He commends Mayor Philip Brown of Charlottetown and Mayor Matt Wren of Brockville for refusing to allow the Palestinian flag to be raised and for standing against what he calls divisive symbols.
A revealing example emerged in Milton, Ontario. A letter published in Milton Today, written by Ibrahim Baig, exposed a campaign urging the town council to adopt an "Apartheid-Free Communities pledge." This would involve boycotting companies doing business with Israel. During a November 3 council meeting, Councillor Sameera Ali requested the mayor write to the federal government in support of a two-way arms embargo with Israel and an expansion of the Gaza Temporary Resident Visa program.
The Pervasive Reach into Canadian Life
Benlolo warns that this movement seeks to "weaponize municipalities against Israel" and normalize extremism. He describes the objective as a multi-pronged effort to sow discord against the Jewish community and hijack Canadian institutions. Beyond flag raisings and municipal pressure, he contends the "rot" has seeped into academia at the highest levels.
He concludes with a stark warning: this coordinated campaign aims not just to criticize Israeli policy, but to delegitimize Israel's very existence and intimidate Jewish Canadians, all while exploiting Canada's democratic institutions. The response from some local leaders, he argues, is a crucial defense of the country's foundational values of freedom and democracy.
