Members of the Jewish community and former politicians are urging the removal of Mohamad Fakih's Order of Canada honor. This follows his recent comments suggesting that Canadian supporters of Israel lack basic human values. A letter published on social media Friday afternoon was signed by former Progressive Conservative MPP Lisa MacLeod, former B.C. NDP MLA Selina Robinson, and former Liberal MP Kevin Vuong. They described Fakih's statement as a "direct assault on the dignity and belonging of millions of Canadians" and emphasized that the Order of Canada should reflect values that unite the nation.

Fakih's remarks came in the wake of an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, which reportedly killed over twenty people, including journalists and healthcare workers. The Israeli army is currently investigating the incident, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to as a "tragic mishap."

In a post on X, Fakih stated, "On behalf of literally every Canadian of conscience: if you are a Canadian and a supporter of Israel, you do not have basic human values, let alone Canadian values." He added that while some may choose not to speak out against supporters of Israel, their lack of values would not be forgotten.

Fakih, a Lebanese-Canadian immigrant and founder of the Middle Eastern food chain Paramount Fine Foods, is known for his philanthropic efforts, including support for victims of an Islamophobic attack in London, Ontario, and for employing Syrian refugees. In a statement released Friday, he defended his comments regarding the ongoing conflict, stating, "The world has been watching a genocide unfold in Gaza, with children and women killed, hospitals and schools bombed, journalists and doctors targeted."

He criticized pro-Israel voices in Canada for defending actions he believes are inconsistent with Canadian values. Fakih has been an advocate for Palestinian rights and has called for Canada to cease arms sales to Israel and provide urgent aid to Gaza. He expressed that he will not be silenced in his efforts to raise awareness about what he describes as Israel's ongoing crimes.

Fakih was awarded the Order of Canada in November 2021, a distinction that recognizes outstanding achievement and service to the community. The honor is presented by the Governor General and has been awarded to notable figures such as Wayne Gretzky and Margaret Atwood. The original announcement praised Fakih as a passionate community leader and humanitarian who exemplifies the immigrant success story.

Following his comments, there has been a wave of condemnation on social media, with many calling for a reevaluation of his honor.