Former Montreal anti-racism commissioner sues CIJA over alleged Hitler comparison

Bochra Manai, former Montreal anti-racism commissioner, is suing the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) for $125,000, alleging defamation and a three-year campaign to discredit her. The lawsuit, filed with the Quebec Superior Court, claims CIJA created a visual montage comparing her to Adolf Hitler and accused her of being “complicit by refusing to speak out against hate.” Manai's relationship with CIJA deteriorated after she attended a pro-Palestine rally in October 2023, where an imam made controversial remarks. While Manai defended her attendance as her "duty to humanity," CIJA called for her resignation and later opposed her promotion, stating, “Such a promotion is simply scandalous.” Manai alleges CIJA's communications reinforced stereotypes associating Muslims with antisemitism and extremism, causing harm to her reputation and dignity.