Bochra Manaï sues Jewish advocacy group for defamation

Bochra Manaï, Montreal’s former commissioner for racism and systemic discrimination, is suing the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) for $125,000, alleging a multi-year campaign to discredit her. The lawsuit claims CIJA published material that included a visual comparison between Manaï and Adolf Hitler, which her legal team describes as an extreme attack on her dignity and professional integrity.

The legal dispute follows tensions that escalated after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. CIJA had repeatedly called for Manaï’s resignation, accusing her of failing to adequately address antisemitic incidents in Montreal, such as attacks on Jewish institutions. Manaï, in turn, alleges that the campaign against her reinforced harmful stereotypes and amounted to prohibited discrimination.

Manaï is seeking $100,000 in moral damages and $25,000 in punitive damages. CIJA has declined to comment on the matter due to the ongoing legal proceedings.