Since the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists, the Cabinet's $191,000-a-year 'inclusion' advisor has avoided public events.According to Blacklock’s Reporter, Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia Amira Elghawaby wrote MPs should “call out Israel’s actions, not only Hamas’ rockets” and called Canadian history “Judeo-Christian storytelling” in columns for the Toronto Star in 2021.Elghawaby, in her last public statement, observed October as Islamic History Month, “the perfect opportunity to learn about Muslim communities.” Elghawaby has not been seen in public for the past 10 days and made no comments about the Hamas terrorist attacks.As a freelance pundit in 2021, she condemned “an Israeli occupation that is being more widely described as ‘apartheid’ than ever before.” Her May 19, 2021, Toronto Star column described Jews as “hostage takers” and outlaws.“The experiences of Palestinians are no longer hidden from view, long held hostage by the Israel government’s broad narrative depicting Palestinians as terrorists, unreliable partners for peace and unworthy of the rights conferred unto them under international law,” wrote Elghawaby.“The experiences and views of Palestinian activists, academics, journalists, even supermodels are propelling significant worldwide opposition to the discriminatory treatment of Palestinians,” wrote Elghawaby. “This narrative shift is galvanizing Canadian grassroots and advocacy organizations and ratcheting pressure on political parties now expected to call out Israel’s actions, not only Hamas’ rockets.”Elghawaby, in a separate June 30, 2021, commentary in the Toronto Star, favoured cancellation of Canada Day observances and lamented the “myth-making that is par for the course of most nation states.”“Calls to cancel this holiday strike at the heart of the character of the nation we call home,” wrote Elghawaby.“Various communities in this country have had to push through dominant European, Judeo-Christian storytelling to have their own experiences seen to be recognized. What if, instead, we celebrated everything that matters to people we work with, live among and whose experiences and stories are as much part of Canada’s daily fabric as hockey or poutine?”Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chose the former Star columnist for the position last January 25. She has five staff and a budget of $5.4 million for four years.“She will help advance respect for equity, inclusion and diversity,” Trudeau said at the time.Elghawaby spoke to the Senate Human Rights committee on March 27. She said she was worried about people stereotyping Muslims.“I heard from students who still experience lessons that embed stereotypes and promote misinformation about Islam and Muslims,” said Elghawaby. She did not elaborate.“I know I will be looking at what other tools are available to advance education and awareness on Islamophobia and the contributions of Muslims in Canada.”
