For Immediate Release
Ottawa, July 9, 2003 — B’nai Brith Canada today expressed concern upon discovery that Donna Upson, who has had strong ties with white supremacy organizations and has served time in jail for hate-related crimes, is now running as a candidate for mayor of the City of Ottawa.
“We are very familiar with Ms. Upson who is specifically named in our 2000 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents and are therefore deeply disturbed to learn that not only has she resurfaced but that she is doing so in such a prominent way.” said Rochelle Wilner, President of B’nai Brith Canada. “We are especially troubled that she seems to have the support of white supremacy groups and is reportedly running under the banner of the Nationalist Party of Canada”.
“Nobody should doubt the true meaning behind statements claiming that Upson is an ‘honest voice for the white people of Canada’ in challenging the Canadian Government’s ‘vicious anti-white patriot sentiment’. This is code for no Jews, no Blacks, no Chinese need apply. We have been in touch with leaders in the Ottawa Jewish community and will be in touch with other community groups to form a united front against racism.” stated Frank Dimant, Executive Vice-President of B’nai Brith Canada.
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For further information contact: Joseph Ben-Ami, Director of Communications at 613-294-7313
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.
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