The principal of an Ottawa high school is apologizing to students, parents and guardians after an Arabic-language song was played during the school’s Remembrance Day service.
The assembly for students and staff at Sir Robert Borden High School on Monday included the song ‘Haza Salam’ being played.
“It has come to my attention that the inclusion of the song ‘Haza Salam’ in the program caused significant distress to some members of our school community,” principal Aaron Hobbs said in a letter to Sir Robert Borden families Monday evening. “For this, I would like to offer my apologies.”
‘Haza Salam’ translates in English to “This is Peace.” On YouTube, there are several different versions of the song ‘Haza Salam’ and it has become a song to oppose the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
“Our intention during the ceremony was to foster a message of peace and remembrance, reflecting on the importance …