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Toronto (August 12, 2024) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is pleased with the news of Birju Dattani’s resignation from his role as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, following the Department of Justice’s investigation into his past anti-Israel activity.

According to the Report Regarding Appointment of the Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, released today by Minister of Justice and Attorney General Arif Virani, Dattani “deliberately de-emphasized the manner in which his academic work was critical of the State of Israel in respect of its treatment of Palestinians” and his “efforts to downplay the critical nature of his work was concerning.”

In late June, FSWC shared its concerns with Minister Virani over Dattani’s participation in anti-Israel activities between 2012-2015, including attending a protest outside the Israeli embassy in London, lecturing at so-called Israel Apartheid Week events, speaking about the BDS movement at a Turkish university and sharing platforms with individuals supporting extremist views. He also shared on the Twitter social media platform, now referred to as X, an article titled ‘Palestinians are Warsaw Ghetto prisoners of today.’ FSWC had made clear that given such activities indicate a “personal bias” that “may have serious implications for the Jewish community,” Dattani was ill-suited for this important position at the CHRC.

As such, both FSWC and CIJA called on the government to reconsider Dattani’s recent appointment “to ensure the integrity of the CHRC and public trust in its mission.”

The report also revealed that Dattani “intentionally omitted” reference to “Mujahid Dattani,” the name he used on Twitter and at anti-Israel speaking engagements, on the Background Check Consent Form and in the application or interview process prior to his appointment.

“While this decision was a long time coming, we are relieved that it has finally been made. Canadians deserve a human rights commissioner they trust to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens,” said Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, FSWC Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy. “We expect the Canadian government to commit to a more diligent vetting process to ensure that the next appointed CHRC chief commissioner meets the high expectations of Canadians.”

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