Former Montreal anti-racism commissioner sues CIJA over alleged Hitler comparison

Former Montreal anti-racism commissioner Bochra Manai is suing CIJA for defamation, alleging a campaign to discredit her, including a visual montage comparing her to Hitler. The lawsuit seeks $125,000 in damages. Manai's relationship with CIJA deteriorated after she attended a pro-Palestinian rally in 2023. CIJA declined to comment.

Bochra Manai, former Montreal anti-racism commissioner, is suing the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) for defamation, alleging a campaign to discredit her. The lawsuit, filed with the Quebec Superior Court, centers on a visual montage in which CIJA allegedly compared her to Adolf Hitler. Manai seeks $125,000 in damages: $100,000 for moral damages and $25,000 in punitive damages. The lawsuit claims CIJA's communications reinforced stereotypes associating Muslims with antisemitism and extremism, constituting discrimination under Quebec's Charter. Manai's relationship with CIJA deteriorated after she attended a pro-Palestinian rally in October 2023, where an imam made controversial remarks. CIJA called for her resignation in November 2023 and again in December 2023, and criticized her promotion in February 2025. Manai remains director of the Office of Commissioners. CIJA declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.