Jewish Federation of Edmonton is deeply concerned by Edmonton City Councillor Michael Janz's continued conduct and his repeated use of public platforms to amplify rhetoric about international events that has real-world consequences for the safety and well-being of Edmontonians. 

Last week, Councillor Janz shared social media content promoting a conspiracy theory that many members of the Jewish community recognize as echoing historic blood libels and other false accusations that have long been used to demonize Jews and justify discrimination, exclusion and violence. 

The response to our public statement was significant. We received messages from members of the Jewish community and the broader public expressing concern about the impact this rhetoric is having on community safety and social cohesion in Edmonton. Rather than acknowledging those concerns, Councillor Janz has continued to double down on his rhetoric and dismiss the very real fears being expressed by many Jewish Edmontonians. 

At a time when Canada is experiencing unprecedented levels of antisemitism, elected officials must recognize that the content they share carries weight and influence. Conspiracy theories, demonization, and inflammatory narratives do not exist in a vacuum. They contribute to an environment in which hostility is normalized, extremism is emboldened, and members of the Jewish community are made to feel increasingly unsafe. 

Jewish Federation of Edmonton supports freedom of expression and robust public debate. Criticism of governments, including the government of Israel, is legitimate and necessary in a democracy. However, there is a clear distinction between policy criticism and the repeated amplification of rhetoric that relies on conspiracy theories, dehumanization, and demonization. 

Our concern is not rooted in a single social media post. It reflects a broader pattern of conduct that has repeatedly caused alarm within Edmonton's Jewish community and has left many questioning whether their concerns are being heard by an elected official who is expected to represent all residents of our city. 

"Jewish Edmontonians should not have to wonder whether their elected officials understand the impact that conspiracy theories and demonizing rhetoric can have on their safety," said Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO of Jewish Federation of Edmonton. "Our community has repeatedly raised concerns about this issue. We are asking for accountability, leadership, and a clear commitment that all Edmontonians deserve to be represented with respect." 

We acknowledge those public officials who have spoken out in recent days and recognized the seriousness of the concerns being raised. 

We call on Mayor Andrew Knack and Edmonton City Council to publicly reject Councillor Janz's divisive rhetoric and reaffirm that elected officials are expected to serve all Edmontonians—including Edmonton's Jewish community—with respect, integrity and a commitment to community safety. 

This issue is not about foreign policy. It is about the impact that public rhetoric can have on the people who live in our city. Jewish Edmontonians deserve to know that their concerns will be taken seriously and that their elected leaders will work to strengthen, rather than fracture, the communities they were elected to serve.