RCMP investigating ‘reprehensible’ video sharing antisemitic comments in PoCo

B.C. politicians are slamming a video they say spreads hatred, stressing there is no place for antisemitism or violence in the province.

The video in question is reportedly one that came out of Port Coquitlam earlier this month.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth, who is also from the city, confirmed the RCMP is investigating, as it “should for any calls for violence.”

“There is a video from POCO circulating that spreads hatred through calls for violence. This is reprehensible. To be clear – there is no place for antisemitism or hatred of any kind in BC,” the minister said on X Thursday.

According to local Jewish organizations, the remarks were part of a sermon by an Imam at a mosque in the community.

B’nai Brith Canada says the comments were “highly inflammatory and dangerous,” adding, “his rhetoric promotes hatred and incites violence against Jews and Christians.”

The group says “Imam Abyat glorified martyrdom through violence” in his sermon.

“This kind of hate speech and incitement is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” a social media post reads.

B’nai Brith says it took “immediate action” and reported the remarks to police.

“B’nai Brith Canada remains committed to standing against hate and ensuring the safety and security of all Canadian society. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and take all necessary actions to combat such hate speech,” the group said.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver says the imam’s speech is hurtful towards the Jewish community and that despite religious differences, encouraging violence against a group is not the solution.

“We can’t allow for this kind of language to proliferate, and especially from leaders within faith communities,” said Ezra Shanken, CEO of the federation.

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West says he was disgusted by the comments, saying they were made in a clear call to violence and to death.

“This sort of vile hatred and call for violence and death should never be welcomed in our country, and it sure as hell isn’t welcome in Port Coquitlam. I implore the relevant authorities to investigate and take action,” he wrote in a statement.

The Coquitlam RCMP confirms to 1130 NewsRadio that it has opened a file on the matter and is looking into it.

“Coquitlam RCMP is aware of a video posted on social media and have heard the concerns from the community. We are investigating and are asking for the public’s support and patience while we work to establish the facts. We are asking anyone with information to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550.”

Masjid Al-Hidayah and the Islamic Society of British Columbia released a joint statement in response to the outrage, saying the sermon speech has been taken out of context and has been misinterpreted, and that their congregation never promoted violence of any kind.

With files from Cecilia Hua.