Naheed Nenshi Apologizes for Photo With Israeli Ambassador

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi issued a public apology after posing for a photograph with Israel's ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, during the Calgary Stampede. Nenshi described the interaction as a brief and frank 30-second exchange and stated that he apologized because the image caused immense hurt to community members, specifically citing famine and child deaths in Gaza and bombings in Southern Lebanon.

Israel's Ambassador Iddo Moed criticized the apology, stating that friendship should not be controversial and that hate must not undermine spaces built on hospitality. The Jewish Federations of Calgary and Edmonton also condemned the move, arguing that expecting elected officials to apologize for diplomatic interactions sets a troubling precedent that makes Alberta's Jewish communities feel isolated and targeted.

While other politicians, including Premier Danielle Smith, appeared in photos with Moed without apologizing, Nenshi's gesture drew a mixed reaction. Rabbi Menachem Matusof accused Nenshi of giving in to antisemites. Simultaneously, some critics argued the apology was insufficient because Nenshi did not use the word genocide or further escalate his rhetoric. Nenshi also confirmed he declined a separate invitation to an Israel in Canada event held the previous weekend.