Ottawa School Faces Backlash for Arabic Song at Remembrance Day Ceremony

The principal of Robert Borden High School apologizes as the school board launches an investigation into the controversial song choice.

The Arabic song 'Haza Salam,' meaning 'This Is Peace,' was played during the Remembrance Day ceremony, sparking criticism from the Jewish community and some politicians.
Principal Aaron Hobbs issued an apology, stating the song caused distress and was not aligned with the school's values of respect and unity.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and has refrained from further comments until its completion.
Critics, including Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, expressed concerns over the song's political implications and its appropriateness for the occasion.
Human rights groups have condemned the backlash as anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab, emphasizing the need for diversity and inclusivity in public spaces.