The decision by a federal NDP leadership candidate to attend a rally “in support of Palestinian terrorists” was strongly denounced by B’nai Brith Canada.

In a statement, B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn said NDP MP Niki Ashton’s actions suggest that people should commemorate and mourn the Arab world’s inability to successfully commit a genocide against the Jewish people.

“Ms. Ashton’s comments are a shocking and insulting departure from the traditional position of her party and those of mainstream Canadians,” Mostyn said.

On Tuesday, Ashton posted on Facebook that she was honoured to stand with those remembering the Nakba.

“It was also powerful to join many at a rally in solidarity with those on hunger strike in Palestine today. The NDP must be a voice for human rights, for peace and justice in the Middle East,” she posted.

Nakba is an Arabic term that mourns the reestablishment of the Jewish State of Israel, the B’nai Brith statement said.

“Her ignorance as to the reality of the situation in Israel, particularly when it comes to the hunger strike of convicted murderers, is alarming from someone aspiring to be leader of this country,” Mostyn said.

B’nai Brith also questioned why Ashton would upload a photo of herself in front of a poster of what appears to be the jailed leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Ahmad Sa’adat, who was imprisoned for the assassination of an Israeli government minister and whose group took credit for a massacre at a Jerusalem synagogue where a Canadian was among the victims.

In a statement released Saturday, Ashton said she has consistently spoken out for peace and justice in the Middle East including for Palestinians.

"Many including the Canadian Labour Congress and Amnesty International have shown their support for the hunger strikers who are opposing inhumane conditions," Ashton said. "As someone who is completing a PhD in Peace and Conflict studies it is clear to me that one must speak out in the face of injustice whether here or at home or abroad."

She urged Canada to return to its "traditional role, supporting a balanced position and a just peace in the Middle East."

Her statement states other organizations representing the Jewish community share her position.

Ashton, who represents the Manitoba riding of Churchill—Keewatinook, had previously made headlines when she deleted tweets that included the Beyonce song lyrics “to the left” after being accused of cultural appropriation.

aartuso@postmedia.com