Internal emails obtained by the National Post reveal that senior officials at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) held discussions with the Palestinian representative to Canada, who sought to influence and receive updates on the museum's upcoming 'Nakba' exhibit. This raises fresh questions about political agendas behind the controversial, publicly funded exhibit.
Leaked Correspondence Details
In an email dated December 5, 2024, Ramsey Zeid, president of the Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba (CPAM) and a member of the Palestinian Content Advisory Network (PCAN), wrote to Matthew Cutler, CMHR's vice-president of exhibitions, and CEO Isha Khan. Zeid stated that Mona Abuamara, the Palestinian Delegation representative in Canada, would visit the museum on December 11 for a tour and requested a meeting to 'discuss the Nakba exhibit.' CPAM promoted her visit on Instagram and hosted a talk by her on December 10.
Zeid noted that Abuamara was 'keen to receive an update on the progress of the project, understand where we currently stand and explore how she might be able to assist if necessary.' Cutler responded the next morning, welcoming the ambassador's visit and confirming that a staff member would speak with her about 'sharing Palestinian human rights stories through the museum, including the exhibit.'
Museum's Response and Concerns
The Palestinian General Delegation confirmed the meeting took place but would not disclose details. The delegation has represented Palestinian Authority interests in Canada since 1995. The meeting occurred nearly a year before Canada recognized a Palestinian state.
Jewish organizations have repeatedly complained about inadequate consultation and lack of historical balance regarding the exhibit. When the Post contacted CMHR in November about these concerns, spokesperson Amanda Gaudes said the 'exhibit is neither a historical retrospective nor an examination of the founding of the State of Israel or current Israel-Palestine relations. It is a multimedia exhibit that will use art, first-person reflections and personal artifacts to share the lived experiences of Palestinian-Canadians.'
Gaudes was asked for a list of content advisory committee members but did not provide one. However, in March, the Post obtained a 2023 list of PCAN members, which included hardened anti-Israel activists like Zeid.
Implications for the Museum
The apparent co-ordination between the museum and the Palestinian representative has sparked concerns about foreign interference and the political nature of the exhibit. Critics argue that the museum, as a publicly funded institution, should maintain neutrality and avoid entanglements with foreign diplomats advocating for specific political narratives.
The Nakba exhibit, which focuses on the Palestinian experience of displacement during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, has been highly controversial since its announcement. The leaked emails add to the scrutiny, suggesting that the museum may have allowed external political actors to shape its content.
