(Ottawa) The decision by organizers of the Ottawa Pride parade to boycott Israeli businesses is prompting a growing number of participants to withdraw from the festivities.
The Capital Pride Committee condemned Hamas’ brutal attack last fall, but also accused the Israeli government of touting its inclusion 2eLGBTQI+ to distract from the carnage in the Gaza Strip.
The committee endorsed a campaign to boycott Israeli businesses, which it said aims to end the war in Gaza and achieve justice for Israelis and Palestinians.
Jewish groups said the statement made their community feel excluded and unsafe, prompting Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to say he would not participate in the week-long festival.
Since then, community groups, government agencies and embassies that have marched in the past have been considering whether to do so next Sunday.
The Public Service Pride Network, a volunteer organization of federal public servants, said it would not be at the parade this year, saying it would instead focus on “inclusive, safe and people-centered events.”
The German embassy in Ottawa accused the Capital Pride organization of delegitimizing Israel and said it was not inclusive to promote a boycott of Israel.
Other groups have chosen to remain in the parade, such as the Ottawa Seniors Pride Network.