Graffiti attack dubs school that played Gaza protest song at Remembrance Day ‘Hamas High’

The Ottawa school that drew wide public attention for playing an Arabic song associated with Palestinian protest for Gaza as the music at its Remembrance Day service for students was hit with graffiti calling it “Hamas High.”

The red lettering was painted on the sign outside the main front doors of Sir Robert Borden High School on Greenbank Road. The words were added below the school’s name and beside the logo for the Ottawa-Carlton District School Board.

“Over the last few days our school has been the focus of significant public attention due to the recent Remembrance Day events. This has resulted in a high volume of incoming messages to the school as well as some graffiti on the outside of the school property,” the school’s principal, Aaron Hobbs, said in a message sent to the school’s community last week.

“Fortunately, there has not been any significant disruption to our usual routines and learning environment, thanks in large part to the incredible work of our staff who have continued to focus on our students’ educational needs and emotional well-being amidst the external pressures.”

Hobbs continued in the letter saying: “We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where all students feel respected and valued. We are actively working with central school board staff to monitor the situation.”

Hobbs postponed a school concert planned for last week because of the response to the controversy.

Ottawa Police Service said the school did not report the vandalism of the school sign to police.

Police were involved Monday, however, at a demonstration originally planned to be held outside the school shortly before dismissal time by pro-Palestinian groups, with social media posts publicizing a rally to end “anti-Palestinian racism” and “stand in solidarity with the students” after Hobbs issued a public apology for playing the song.

Some parents had planned a counter demonstration to walk their children home through the protest. A private security car was seen outside the school in the morning.

By the time of the protest rally, the location had been shifted down the road outside the constituency office of Lisa MacLeod, an outspoken Conservative member of provincial parliament for the school’s riding who had called for the principal to be fired after his Remembrance Day services.

MacLeod said police advised she close her office for the afternoon for staff safety, which she did.

“I think they are in general just protesting but they also want to oppose my position on the inappropriate song on Remembrance Day. I support their right to protest and I am thankful they chose my office and not Sir Robert Borden High School,” MacLeod said.

“Student safety is the priority and I believe bubble legislation protecting schools, family homes, community centres and places of worship is now needed. Protesting politicians at a legislative or constituency offices is a well fought for Canadian right.”

Ottawa police confirmed an afternoon demonstration took place in the area with no reported incidents. Police declined to identify the groups protesting or offer crowd estimates.

The school board confirmed there was no demonstration outside the school board office or the school on Monday. Questions about the vandalized sign went unanswered by deadline.

Hobbs came under fire after a group of Jewish students met with him after the Nov. 11 assemblies to express concern over the song selection.

Hobbs defended the musical choice at the meeting saying it was chosen to bring diversity and inclusion to Remembrance Day because the event is usually only about “a white guy who has done something related to the military.”

Hours later, he sent out a letter to the school community apologizing for the song.

“We acknowledge that Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion, where the focus should remain on honouring those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we hold dear. The inclusion of a song that could be seen as politically charged was not in line with the values of respect and unity that we strive to uphold at this school,” Hobbs said in his letter.

Hobbs did not respond to a request for comment about the vandalism on Monday.

Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME), a Montreal-based advocacy group, complained of the public response to the school playing the song and blamed the outcry, and the vandalism, on media bias and “sensationalist coverage.”

“CJPME believes the reaction to Haza Salam, a song whose lyrics express longing for peace, reflects latent anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism and double standards in how media treat culturally significant expressions from Middle Eastern communities,” said a statement from CJPME.

“The incident of vandalism, which Principal Aaron Hobbs confirmed to parents in an email, underscores the real-world consequences of the media’s inflammatory reporting,” the group said.

The Jewish Federation of Ottawa earlier told Postmedia the school’s Nov. 11 ceremonies were concerning.

“Remembrance Day is a solemn time to pay tribute to Canadian veterans. Including a song associated with one side of an ongoing foreign conflict — especially one currently contributing to division and tension in our communities — reflects poor judgment for a public school setting.”

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