**

Dear Interim NDP leader Don Davies and National Director Lucy Watson,

Even before the NDP leadership race has officially commenced, supporters of Israel’s genocide in Gaza are seeking to exclude a prominent critic of Canada’s role in enabling Israel’s crimes. This move would undermine democratic debate within the party.

Figures such as former Jewish Defence League head Meir Weinstein, Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley and disgraced anti-Palestinian former BC NDP cabinet minister Selena Robinson have called for Yves Engler to be excluded from the race to lead the party.

Weinstein, now leading a group called Israel Now recently posted that “Israel Now will confront the NDP to either drop Yves Engler or change their name from the NDP to the Nazi Party of Canada.” Lilley amplified Weinstein’s post while Robinson supported a call to “disqualify Yves Engler from running due to blatant prejudice against Jews and Israelis.”

The NDP must resist conceding to supporters of Israel’s ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The party should not allow individuals promoting political censorship to influence who can or cannot appear on the leadership ballot.

Genocide advocates cannot be allowed to determine who NDP members are allowed to select for party leader.

Regardless of political differences, every party member should have the right to run — and every member the right to decide.

Sincerely,

Roger Waters, musician

Linda McQuaig, author

Sarah Jama, former NDP MPP

Rabbi David Mivasair

Maher Arar, political prisoner

Jord Samolesky, musician

Faisal Kutty, lawyer and academic

Monia Mazigh, academic

Tyler Levitan, Independent Jewish Voices

and others

***The groups and individuals endorsing this action support Yves Engler's right to stand for the leadership of the NDP and oppose attempt by genocide advocates to block his candidacy. This is not an endorsement of the NDP.