Thirteen local residents gathered outside the office of MP Marilyn Gladu on Thursday, urging her to publicly condemn what they describe as a genocide unfolding in Gaza. The protest, organized by Sarnians for Palestine, is part of a series of weekly actions aimed at pressuring elected officials to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the […]
Thirteen local residents gathered outside the office of MP Marilyn Gladu on Thursday, urging her to publicly condemn what they describe as a genocide unfolding in Gaza.
The protest, organized by Sarnians for Palestine, is part of a series of weekly actions aimed at pressuring elected officials to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the region. While organizers expected a small turnout, more than a dozen attended—including Jewish and Palestinian community members.
“As a Jewish person I think it's especially important for me to stand up and be outspoken,” said protester Danielle Pettit. “And I want everyone to know, it is never antisemitic to oppose a genocide. The Pro Palestinian movement has been nothing but warm and welcoming to me, and I'm sure if Jewish people were under threat of another genocide, they would be the same people to speak up for us, too. Always do what's right, even if it's not the popular thing, or the easy thing. Never again for anyone.”
One demonstrator recalled a moment of quiet affirmation during the protest when a man stopped at a red light, rolled down his window and said, “Thank you. I’m Palestinian and I appreciate you.”
The group says their aim is to defend the universal right of all people to live in peace and freedom. “This isn't only about the Palestinian people,” said organizer Micheline Steele. “It's about the right of all peoples to live in peace and with autonomy and freedom.”
The decision to protest outside Gladu’s office is rooted in concerns about her voting record, public statements, and silence around the current violence in Gaza. Organizers attempted to speak with Gladu following the demonstration but were met with a locked door and a posted notice stating that “public access is currently restricted.” A voicemail was left with her office; as of Friday morning, there had been no response.
Past remarks by Gladu have raised longstanding concern among human rights advocates. In a 2019 recorded meeting, Gladu said that “Palestine does not have any documented rights,” described Palestinians as “squatting on [Israeli] land,” and claimed that “Israeli people are paying for their water.” She also stated that “the Jews are God’s people,” and that “people and Canada should come to Israel’s defense.”
That same year, she voted in favour of a motion to condemn the nonviolent BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, describing it in an email as having “anti-Semitic and discriminating practices” and asserting that it “has no place” in Canadian society.
Organizers say these comments and votes show a pattern of religious and political bias that has real-world consequences. “She speaks about ‘the rule of law,’ but where is that voice when hospitals are being bombed, when medical personnel are arrested, tortured, and killed?” Steele asked. “The people of Gaza are being forcibly starved. The suffering is unimaginable. We can't sit passively while these crimes are live streamed before our eyes.”
The United Nations and multiple international human rights organizations have described the conditions in Gaza as catastrophic, citing widespread civilian casualties, the deliberate targeting of infrastructure, and the blocking of humanitarian aid.
Sarnians for Palestine say their efforts are focused on education, advocacy, and local engagement. The group will host a booth at the Mitton Village Block Party in August to offer resources and conversation. They also encourage residents to read Palestinian and Israeli history from diverse sources, including Jewish Israeli scholars like Ilan Pappé and Avi Shlaim.
“There’s no wrong way to begin,” said Steele. “Ask questions. Come to a protest. Come visit us. Our purpose is to share information and stand for justice.”
