Conservative MP Mark Adler notes he’s ‘son of a Holocaust survivor’ on campaign sign

Conservative MP Mark Adler is bidding for re-election in York Centre, but some residents in his riding are taking exception to the huge campaign poster plastered on the side of his headquarters on Bathurst Street, which notes he’s the “son of a Holocaust survivor.”

“It’s not OK,” a woman named Barbara, who lost members of her own family in the Holocaust, told CityNews. “He’s preying on peoples’ feelings, but it has nothing to do with his political views. He wants the sympathy, but I don’t think that that’s right to do that.”

“The fact that his parents were Holocaust survivors has got nothing to do with his policies,” another man added.

Others seemed undaunted and even perplexed that a controversy was brewing.

“I’m Israelite. I’m also a black person,” a man in the riding noted. “If a black person was running and said their parents experienced racism in the 50’s say, maybe I’d want to vote for that person because they are more sensitive to what my parents may have experienced, but I don’t see that as wrong. The whole point of being a candidate is to show that you identify with your electorate.”

Adler released a statement, saying he’s “proud to serve our country and deliver on the priorities of the residents in York Centre.”

“I am proud of my family heritage and will never forget the sacrifice of my forefathers who faced persecution simply because of their faith.”

Adler’s full statement:

Throughout my life, I have advocated for Holocaust remembrance – so that all Canadians will remember the great evil of the Second World War and never forget.  My father came to Canada after surviving the horrors of a Nazi death camp, and chose Canada based on the values that continue to unite us: democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

I am proud to serve our country and deliver on the priorities of residents in York Centre – including advocacy for the security of the state of Israel, and the promotion of democratic values abroad.  I share the concern of many residents who are alarmed by the global campaign to isolate and denounce Israel, and the moral relativism that was embraced by past governments who equivocated on the defense of the Jewish state.

Under Prime Minister Harper’s leadership, Canada is standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel. As the Prime Minister said in his speech to the Knesset (January 2015), Israel is, “A state, based on freedom, democracy and the rule of law, that was founded so Jews can flourish as Jews, and seek shelter from the shadow of the worst racist experiment in history.”

I am proud of my family heritage, and will never forget the sacrifice of my forefathers who faced persecution simply because of their faith. Mme. Folco, like my family, faced unspeakable atrocities, and we will never forget the somber story that unites our experience. That is why I am doubly resolved to continue to be a steadfast defender of Israel, and champion of freedom for those facing persecution in an increasingly insecure world.