Statement in Support of Fred Hahn, CUPE Ontario president
The Legal Centre for Palestine (LCP) stands in solidarity with Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Ontario, as he faces unjust attacks for his principled stance in support of Palestinian rights. These attempts to force Hahn’s resignation from the CUPE National Executive Board are not only a threat to the integrity of union democracy but are also part of a broader campaign to silence those who advocate for justice and human rights in Palestine.
Fred Hahn has consistently demonstrated his commitment to social justice and international solidarity. His leadership in CUPE has been characterized by a steadfast support for marginalized workers and communities, including his unwavering advocacy for Palestinian liberation. The demand for his resignation, fueled by right-wing and Zionist factions, is a clear attempt to delegitimize the growing movement for Palestinian rights and to stifle voices that oppose the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the systemic ethnic cleansing of Palestine.
In Canada, defamatory allegations and false accusations of antisemitism have become common tactics to undermine legitimate criticism of Israeli state policies and to intimidate supporters of Palestinian rights. This misuse of antisemitism accusations not only harms those targeted but also trivializes real instances of antisemitism. Such actions threaten free speech and the right to advocate for oppressed peoples. The law protects individuals from defamatory statements, and those who weaponize such accusations must bear this in mind.
LCP condemns these efforts to punish Fred Hahn for his advocacy and to undermine the democratic will of CUPE members. We call on the CUPE National Executive Board to reverse its call for Hahn’s resignation and to stand firmly against external pressures that seek to dictate the internal affairs of the union. We urge the broader labour movement to recognize this attack for what it is: a threat to all who dare to challenge power and to speak out against injustice.
As a legal institution dedicated to defending the rights of Palestinians and the Palestine solidarity movement, we affirm that criticism of any state’s policies and behavior, particularly those that contribute to oppression and violence, is not only legitimate but necessary. We stand with Fred Hahn and all those who refuse to be silenced in their pursuit of justice for Palestine.
