November 17, 2025
HALIFAX – B’nai Brith Canada is urging the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Greater Halifax and Dartmouth to reconsider its plans to honour a radical who has peddled antisemitic conspiracy theories.
The individual in question, Rana Zaman, is a former candidate for the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Canada. She has used her public profile to promote antisemitic conspiracies, including the notion that Israel was behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. Despite evidence to the contrary, she has denied that Hamas committed acts of sexual violence during its Oct. 7, 2023, rampage in Southern Israel.
“[Rana] Zaman’s antisemitic rhetoric should disqualify her from any award celebrating efforts to promote peace,’” said Paola Samuel, Quebec and Atlantic Canada Regional Director for B’nai Brith Canada. “Such baseless falsehoods contribute to real harm against Jews in this country, who have experienced unprecedented levels of hate and violence during the past few years, including in N.S.”
B’nai Brith Canada registered a 54 per cent increase in antisemitic incidents in Atlantic Canada from 2022 to 2024.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 22. The location adds insult to injury as it was the port of entry for thousands of Jewish immigrants to this country during the 20th century.
“The YMCA, in bestowing such an award on Zaman, is signalling that her extreme views can be considered normal in Canada,” said Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Research and Advocacy. “We call on the YMCA of Greater Halifax and Dartmouth to withdraw Zaman’s name and take a firm stance against antisemitism, racism, and hatred in all its forms.”
B’nai Brith Canada has written to the YMCA outlining its concerns and requesting immediate action.
“Despite not having received a substantive response, B’nai Brith Canada stands ready to work with the YMCA to ensure that its honourees reflect its values and mission,” Robertson said.