The newly appointed Indian-origin commissioner for human rights in Canada has resigned even before taking office amid allegations of anti-Semitism against him. Birju Dattani, who took leave a day before officially taking charge, announced his resignation on LinkedIn amid complaints. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) found that Dattani had used the name “Mujahid Dattani” in some online activities and speaking engagements. The name was not included in the original background check by the Privy Council Office.
“I have agreed to resign as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, effective today, August 12, 2024. I remain a strong believer in the Commission’s work, mandate and its importance to our democracy,” Dattani wrote on LinkedIn.
In a letter to Virani, Dattani spoke about his name change journey and his commitment to the role.
Dattani says he has converted to Islam and changed his name
He said he was raised as a Hindu but converted to Islam in 2001 and changed his name to Mujahid, and in 2017 chose to change his name to Birju Dattani, although Mujahid remains part of his identity.
The report acknowledged that his past advocacy and criticism of Israel could have been discussed during the application process if he had been more open.
“Mr Dattani’s attempts to downplay the critical nature of his work were worrying, and, of course, his failure to disclose this work directly deprived the Government of the opportunity to discuss with Mr Dattani what impact his scholarship and perspective would have, or could have, if he were appointed to the role of Chief Commissioner,” the report said.
CIJA had criticized the commissioner’s past comments and actions, labeling them anti-Semitic.
Justice Minister Arif Virani subsequently commissioned a fact-finding investigation by Fillion Wakely Angeletti LLP, which submitted its report on July 31.
“The findings speak for themselves,” Virani said. “I received her submissions in response to the report on August 1, 2024. I have accepted her decision to step down as chief commissioner. Maintaining the confidence of all Canadians in the Canadian Human Rights Commission remains my top priority,” CBC News reported.
No evidence of ‘Mujahid Dattani’s’ anti-Semitic beliefs
Investigations revealed that Commissioner Birju Dattani had used an alias, “Mujahid Dattani”, in online activities, which was not included in the initial background check.
He omitted that name and his period of unemployment from his background check form, the report said.
“The Jewish community lost confidence in him coming into that position, which is very important at this time when we’re seeing high levels of anti-Semitism. It was the right move,” CIJA vice-president Richard Marceau was quoted as saying by CBC News.
However, the report found no evidence of anti-Semitic beliefs.
“Based on his evidence, we cannot find that he held or continues to hold any views that could be characterised as anti-Semitic or that he has displayed any prejudice towards Jews or Israelis,” the report said.
According to CBC News, interim commissioner Charlotte-Ann Malischewski will remain in her position until the search for a new commissioner begins.