We write to express support of Chief Warren Driechel in light of his participation in a trip to Israel organized by a chiefs of police association, and with concern for the public discourse that we have seen unfolding. 

The attempts to sow division among Edmontonians come at a time of increasing polarization and an unprecedented escalation of antisemitism and hate-motivated incidents. We call upon our leaders to speak out and state that antisemitism and antizionism is incompatible with the city that is inclusive for all its citizens.  

The disproportionate outrage directed at the Chief’s trip due to the destination being Israel reflects a double standard attempting to delegitimize Israel and it demonizes a Canadian ally.  

If the Chief (or if any public official, for that matter) had travelled to any other country, it is unlikely that the same level of criticism or controversy regarding the trip would have emerged. Framing professional engagement in this way risks normalizing anti-Israel sentiment and, more broadly, contributes to an environment where antisemitism is normalized. 

Community reporting and monitoring efforts across Alberta continue to show that antisemitic incidents remain one of the most frequently reported forms of hate motivated incidents. Discussions surrounding the Chief’s trip to Israel will contribute to division if they are not addressed thoughtfully.  

We wish to recognize the professionalism and integrity of the Chief, who, like many public leaders, engages internationally to learn, exchange ideas, and strengthen institutions.  He has been unfairly targeted in an ideologically motivated campaign by those who are seeking to divide Edmontonians and seeking a boycott, divestment, and sanction campaign, which former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rightfully claimed was antisemitic in 2019.   

Efforts to call upon Chief Driechel to provide acceptable answers for his trip to Israel or else resign are unacceptable and quite frankly hold the Chief to a standard that would not be placed on anyone if the destination of their travels was anywhere other than Israel.  Rhetoric aimed at the Chief lead to increased security risks to the Jewish community in Edmonton and elsewhere.    

Edmonton’s strength comes from its diverse communities working together and when public discourse becomes polarized around identity or international politics, it can create ripple effects locally that undermine trust and safety for communities here at home.  

We call on the Mayor, members of City Council and the Edmonton Police Commission to unequivocally stand with Chief Driechel at this time and stand against the mounting hate-campaign aimed at vilifying the Chief because he dared associate with Israelis. 

Signed, 

Jewish Federation of Edmonton 

Al-Rayaan Society 

CMJ Canada  

Royal Iranian Canadian Civic Legion (RICCL) 

Iranian-Canadian Patriots YEG 

Rwandan Community Abroad  

Somaliland Cultural Association of Edmonton 

StopHate AB