Toronto principal apologizes after high school played O Canada in Arabic on October 7 anniversary

The principal of a Toronto high school that played the National Anthem in Arabic on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel has apologized, saying that “this was not done with any ill intent” and that “I recognize the hurt that playing this version of the anthem on this date caused those in our community.”

Steve Yee, the principal of Earl Haig Secondary School in North York, drafted the letter to parents, guardians, caregivers and students in response to the incident that occurred Tuesday morning, and which drew a rebuke from Ontario’s Minister of Education, among others.

“As you know, it has been a difficult week at Earl Haig SS due to an unfortunate incident, which involved the Arabic-language version of O Canada being played on the morning of October 7th, a solemn day for many in our school community and around the world,” Yee wrote in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by National Post.

“Shortly after the announcements concluded, I spoke with both students and staff, including Earl Haig’s Jewish Student Association and apologized for what had occurred and supported them in any way I could,” he continued.

“I haven’t written until now because we needed to take the time to properly investigate to determine what exactly happened.”

A school source told National Post that the choice of language was a decision by students, in honour of Canadian Islamic History Month, and that Yee was not aware of the choice, which was coincidental to the date.

Earl Haig had previously played the anthem in other languages, including First Nations languages, the source noted.

“After speaking with multiple students and staff throughout the week, including those who are part of our Earl Haig Radio Team, we can now say with certainty that this was not done with any ill intent and that they are truly remorseful for what happened,” Yee said in the letter.

“Together with other staff, we have been checking in with students throughout the week and will continue to provide support as needed.”

He added that, “in line with direction from the Minister, all TDSB schools, including Earl Haig, will only be using English, French or instrumental versions of the National Anthem moving forward.”

Paul Calandra, Ontario’s Minister of Education, had said in a statement on Tuesday: “It is hard to believe that no one recognized the significance of this day, where the world recognizes the anniversary of the worst terrorist attack perpetrated against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.”

“The federal National Anthem Act sets out that the official lyrics are in English or French, and if the school boards choose not to represent our national symbols and federal legislation, then I will take action,” he added.

Yee thanked students and their families for their patience, understanding and openness to conversations this week, adding: “Should your child require further support, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.”

Earl Haig has about 2,000 students, and its website lists a Jewish Students Union (JSU) among its clubs, and a contact for Jewish Family and Child Services in the English version of its parent handbook, which is also available in Chinese, Korean and Farsi. Media reports say that approximately 100 of the school’s students are Jewish.

• Toronto school that played O Canada in Arabic on Oct. 7 gets a lashing from education minister
• Opinion: Arabic ‘O Canada’ on October 7 is institutional capture

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