Provincial Liberal candidate Farber politically exploits sister-in-law`s death against husband`s wishes.

Bernie Farber, the former head of the Canadian Jewish Congress, has been the default spokesperson the Toronto media has utilized for comment on issues related to the Jewish community for so long, he has become known as "The King of the Jews" in some circles.

An affable, decent fellow, Bernie has a right to his personal opinions, just like any other Canadian. But a number of people in the Jewish community, very few of whom have any direct involvement with the Canadian Jewish Congress, have taken umbrage at the idea that Bernie represents them.

Farber has been a major proponent of Hate Speech laws that restrict expressions of criticism directed at ethnic groups. But these laws are used selectively and only apply to `sanctioned` groups. Hate speech laws and the quasi-judicial Human Rights Commissions, staffed with appointees unqualified to make judiciary decisions, are being used against critics of radical ideologies that have used the fog of multiculturalism to obscure their undemocratic, racist, misogynist agendas.

With the Canadian Jewish Congress about to be folded into an umbrella group of Jewish community organizations, Farber has taken a leave of absence to run in Thornhill as the candidate for the Liberal party in the upcoming provincial election.

It appears Bernie`s presumption for speaking for others without their consent has run him into hot water again. Writing in Shalom Life, Faber criticises Tim Hudak, the leader of the provincial Opposition, trying to tie him to Health Care policies enacted by former Conservative Premier Mike Harris. Farber goes so far as to suggest the cancer-related death of his sister-in law in 2003, was related to Harris`policies and resulting poor hospital service when he wrote:

"my sister-in-law, suffering from breast cancer, found herself caught in the mire of Conservative hospital closures, nursing lay-offs and other cuts specifically to the cancer care sector. Joanne passed away in 2003. Had she been diagnosed today, with all the newly-funded resources in Ontario cancer care, with hospitals back up and running, with over 11,500 full time nurses now hired or re-hired, her chances of survival would have increased dramatically."

Farber should have checked with his sister-in-law`s husband first.

Commenting on Farbers`opinion piece, Michael Robitaille responded:

The sister-in-law Bernie Farber wrote about in this article was my wife. Contrary to what Bernie states, my wife Joanne received excellent health care at every level during her over 3 year struggle with cancer. From the staff at Credit Valley Hospital to Princess Margaret Hospital to Toronto Western Hospital, she received speedy, professional and excellent care. I honestly can't say anything negative in the overall treatment Joanne received. Sadly, Joanne succumbed to cancer but I want to state categorically, her death from cancer had nothing to do with any lack of health care or any deficiencies in her care. I find it callous, cold-hearted and opportunistic for Bernie Faber to use Joanne's death for political gain. Joanne is missed by me and my son Jack everyday and it is a shame to have her struggle with cancer thrown around like a political football by a candidate who knows better.

          Michael Robitaille

Between this and the resurfacing of his referring to his party leader as a `fear-mongerer`, Farber`s campaign is off to a less than auspiciuos start.

h/t Sassy Wire