REGINA - Saskatoon University MLA Jennifer Bowes has issued a statement apologizing for liking a controversial Instagram post last week.
Bowes issued the statement in response to criticism over the NDP MLA's social media approval of a video posted on Instagram that showed demonstrators from last week's protest inside the Legislature building chanting "from the river to the sea" -- a statement seen as anti-Semitic for calling for the elimination of the State of Israel.
When asked about the controversy over the social media post last week, Opposition leader Carla Beck had said the phrase was "not acceptable." She said she would be looking into it and it would be dealt with.
Here is the full statement from Bowes issued this afternoon:
"Hate, in all its forms, has no place in this province or in this country. I have and will continue to condemn in the strongest possible way any act of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. Our party has a strong record of opposing all forms of hate and standing up for human rights.
"Last week, I liked an Instagram carousel post (a social media post with multiple photos or videos embedded) calling for a ceasefire without looking at all the photos and videos. I have since heard from multiple different people who understandably have strong feelings on this long and painful conflict and on one of the chants featured in that carousel.
"I have learned that for some in the Jewish community, they experience this slogan as deeply offensive and anti-Semitic. I have also heard from those who genuinely use the slogan as a call for the full rights and equality of all people, including Palestinians.
"I apologize to anyone who was hurt by the impacts of the post. My intention was never to cause further division and, out of respect, I have removed the like. I have and will continue reaching out to members of both Jewish and Muslim communities as I am committed to fostering mutual respect, dialogue, and understanding as we work towards an end to all forms of violence and oppression."
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