A brand new Indian-origin human rights commissioner in Canada has resigned even earlier than taking workplace attributable to allegations of anti-Semitism towards him. Birju Dattani, who took a depart of absence a day earlier than his official induction, introduced his resignation on LinkedIn amid the complaints. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) famous that Dattani used the identify “Mujahid Dattani” for some on-line actions and at talking occasions. This identify was not included within the authentic background examine carried out by the Privy Council Workplace.
“I’ve agreed to resign as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Fee, efficient at this time, August 12, 2024. I stay a powerful believer within the work of the Fee, its mandate, and its significance to our democracy,” Dattani wrote on LinkedIn.
In his letter to Virani, Dattani defined his name-changing course of and his dedication to the place.
DATTANI SAYS HE CONVERTED TO ISLAM AND CHANGED HIS NAME
He said that he was raised Hindu however transformed to Islam in 2001, adopting the identify Mujahid, and in 2017 selected to make use of his given identify, Birju Dattani, though Mujahid stays a part of his identification.
The report acknowledged that his previous advocacy and criticism of Israel may have been mentioned throughout the software course of had he been extra forthright.
“Mr Dattani’s efforts to downplay the vital nature of his work have been regarding and, certainly, his refusal to instantly disclose this work disadvantaged the Authorities of the chance to have a dialog with Mr Dattani in regards to the affect, if any, that his scholarship and perspective would or may have if he have been appointed to the place of Chief Commissioner,” the report states.
CIJA had criticized the commissioner’s earlier feedback and actions, calling them anti-Semitic.
This prompted an investigation into the details by Justice Minister Arif Virani, carried out by Filion Wakely Angeletti LLP, with a report submitted on July 31.
“The outcomes converse for themselves,” Virani mentioned. “I acquired his feedback in response to the report on August 1, 2024. I’ve accepted his resolution to step down as Chief Commissioner. Sustaining the belief of all Canadians within the Canadian Human Rights Fee stays my highest precedence,” CBC Information reported.
There isn’t a proof of anti-semite beliefs of ‘Mujahid Dattani’
The investigation revealed that Birju Dattani, the commissioner, had used one other identify, “Mujahid Dattani”, in on-line actions, which was not coated by the preliminary background examine.
The report mentioned he omitted this identify and intervals of unemployment from his background examine kinds.
“The Jewish group had misplaced confidence in him to fill that place, which is so essential presently once we are seeing sky-high ranges of anti-Semitism. It was the suitable factor to do,” CIJA vice chairman Richard Marceau mentioned, in response to CBC Information.
Nevertheless, the report discovered no proof of antisemitic beliefs.
“Primarily based on his proof, we can not conclude that he held or holds beliefs that may very well be characterised as anti-Semitic or that he has demonstrated prejudice in the direction of Jews or Israelis,” the report mentioned.
Interim Commissioner Charlotte-Anne Malischewski will proceed in her position whereas a seek for a brand new commissioner begins, CBC Information reported.
