Canada high school principal apologises for playing Arabic song at Remembrance Day ceremony

An Ottawa high school principal has apologised after a Remembrance Day ceremony featured an Arabic song, sparking criticism from members of the Jewish community. The principal of Sir Robert Borden High School, Aaron Hobbs, played “Ahathaa Salam” (“Is this peace”) during the ceremony, intended as a message of unity and reconciliation.

In a statement yesterday, Hobbs apologised, acknowledging the song had caused “significant distress” and was seen as “politically charged” by some, which conflicted with the school’s values of respect and unity.

Several local news outlets and tabloids have described the viral song as a “Palestinian protest song.” However, in an Instagram post earlier this year, Maryam Shehab, the original songwriter and performer said: “The song Ahatha Salam has come a long way from 2018, being a form [of] genuine self expression to today, the call for peace in the world.”

We were disturbed but not shocked by Ontario MPP @MacLeodLisa who raised concerns that it was an “egregious incident” that required “disciplinary measures” for a Remembrance Day service to include a song in Arabic.

People are now saying the quiet part aloud: it is entirely… pic.twitter.com/61N6SckWUg

— NCCM (@nccm) November 12, 2024

The Jewish Federation of Ottawa expressed “deep concern” about the choice of song, stating it was inappropriate in a public-school setting due to its perceived association with a divisive foreign conflict. Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, a self-described Zionist echoed these sentiments, claiming it “did not follow the Royal Canadian Legion protocol and also distressed all of the Jewish students.” She has also called for disciplinary measures.

An Ottawa high school played an Arabic-language song about peace. It is shameful to see some groups characterize this as “foreign” and disrespectful to “Canadian heritage” and “our values.” This sends a clear message that Arab and Palestinian students do not belong. https://t.co/uKpIQW3DWn

— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) November 12, 2024

In response, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board confirmed an investigation was underway but declined further comment.

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However, the backlash has been condemned by several human rights groups who said the backlash was anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian. Jamila Ewais, a researcher with Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, asked: “What if someone was singing this language, let’s say this song or like a similar song in, I don’t know German or Ukrainian language?”

The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada also condemned the reaction, stating that “Comments like these create an unsafe environment, making it harder for Muslims to freely practise their faith and celebrate their identity.”

“Schools and public spaces must be welcoming environments for all, where diversity is respected and celebrated.”

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