Sean Orr lambasted over social media comments described as ‘antisemitic’; supporters describe uproar as ‘smear campaign’

Online comments made by a Vancouver city councillor elect are gaining attention Wednesday, with some alleging antisemitism and others saying the allegations are being made in bad faith.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver released a public statement with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs Tuesday.

The group had said it’s “deeply disturbed” by a number of comments made on social media by city councillor-elect Sean Orr, and describes them as antisemitic.

Among other comments, the federation made special note of a 2021 post to social media Orr made, referring to Vancouver city planners as “being controlled by a secret cabal of Jews who have a bunker in the earth’s core.”

Orr has responded to the federation’s statement online, explaining that a layer of irony and context has been lost in isolating the post.

“I sarcastically quoted the comedian David Cross while condemning an antisemitic dogwhistle on Twitter. I was defending Karm Sumal against the claim he was a “globalist shill.” I have been outspoken over the years opposing all forms of racism including anti-semitism,” said Orr in a post to social media Tuesday.

Mayor Ken Sim held a media event Wednesday morning, gathering with some Jewish faith leaders from Metro Vancouver, calling on Orr to apologize, and calling the comments “unacceptable.”

“Such language is unacceptable from anyone, let alone someone who has been entrusted with public service and community leadership. As mayor, I will not allow a councillor to divide our city, and we call for full accountability and urge Councillor-elect Sean Orr to immediately address these multiple statements directly and transparently,” said Sim.

Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver CEO Ezra Shanken called for a full and transparent investigation of the comments and asked for an apology from Orr and his political party, the Coalition of Progressive Electors.

Shanken noted the rise of antisemitic incidents in Canada since Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel’s ensuing war on Gaza.

In its statement, the federation says Orr “falsely accused” the state of Israel of committing acts of genocide — a label that has been widely avowed by some and contended by others.

A group called Independent Jewish Voices says it stands by Orr, condemning “disingenuous” attacks launched by the federation.

“Councillor Orr has shown integrity and courage in condemning Israeli war crimes and speaking out in defence of Palestinian human rights. We need more elected officials like Sean Orr—leaders with the courage to speak uncomfortable truths, resist the politicized weaponization of antisemitism, and uphold universal human rights. Attempts to silence such voices not only betray the victims of war crimes but also distort the true meaning of antisemitism, ultimately undermining the safety and dignity of Jewish communities,” said Independent Jewish Voices Tuesday.

The group Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East also stood by Orr, saying he has been falsely accused of antisemitism and was speaking in line with UN experts at the time of accusing Israel of acts of genocide.

“He deserves an apology for these bad-faith and disgraceful attacks,” said Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East.

Former BC NDP leadership candidate Anjali Appadurai called the statement a “smear campaign against a politician.”

Federal NDP candidate for Vancouver Centre Avi Lewis called out the timing of the federation’s statement, calling it “cynical” and “deeply predictable.”

“If the Jewish Fed and CIJA thought they actually had anything on @seanorr, they would have used it during the by-election,” said Lewis.

“But it won’t work. The accusation of antisemitism against Sean is transparently political.”

The Leader Spirit has reached out to Councillor Elect Sean Orr for comment.