October 9, 2025

Lisa Southern
Integrity Commissioner of Vancouver
453 12th Ave West,
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4

Dear Ms. Southern,

We are writing to formally submit a complaint against Councillor Sean Orr regarding his participation in the “Flood Vancouver for Palestine” protest held on October 4, 2025, at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

One of the event’s organizers, Al-Awda Vancouver, has documented links to Samidoun—a group designated by the Government of Canada as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code. These links include the involvement of Samidoun’s international coordinator, Charlotte Kates, on Al-Awda’s national board, and the participation of a Samidoun director at the October 4 event.

It is absolutely inappropriate for an elected official to use their public platform to lend legitimacy to organizations associated with a listed terrorist entity. At a time when in cities like Manchester we see the deadly impact of extremism and support for terror, Vancouver’s leaders must model respectful dialogue and protect the safety and dignity of all communities. We are also deeply concerned by the content of Councillor Orr’s remarks at the rally, which included calls for boycotts of products essential to the religious practices of observant Jewish community members. Such conduct diminishes public confidence in his office and calls into question his capacity to discharge the responsibilities expected of a City of Vancouver councillor.

Together, we represent and advocate on behalf of more than 28,000 members of the Jewish community in Metro Vancouver—most of whom reside in the municipality you serve. Since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, we have heard from many community members who have been harassed or targeted simply for being Jewish. According to the Vancouver Police Department, police-reported antisemitic hate incidents rose by 62 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year. The rhetoric and actions of groups such as Al-Awda and Samidoun, and the endorsement of such groups by elected officials, contribute to an increasingly hostile environment for Jewish Vancouverites.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and ask that your office review our submission and the accompanying materials. We would be pleased to provide any further information or clarification that may assist in your review.

Sincerely,

Nico Slobinsky Ezra Shanken

Vice President, Pacific Region Chief Executive Officer
Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver