In a shocking development, Sir Robert Borden High School in Ottawa has become the center of a heated debate after graffiti appeared on the school's sign, branding it with the label "Hamas High." This incident follows widespread public scrutiny over the school's choice to play an Arabic song associated with Palestinian protests during its Remembrance Day service.

The graffiti, painted in bold red letters, was discovered on the sign outside the school's main entrance on Greenbank Road, igniting outrage among various community members and sparking discussions about cultural sensitivity and the appropriateness of the song selection during a solemn occasion.

Principal Aaron Hobbs addressed the situation in a message to the school community, acknowledging the significant public attention surrounding the recent Remembrance Day events. He assured parents and students that, despite the vandalism and influx of messages, there had been no major disruptions to the school’s routine, thanks to the dedication of the staff. Hobbs expressed a commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students and announced his collaboration with district staff to monitor the escalating situation.

The controversy intensified when the school board confirmed that a planned concert had been postponed amid rising tensions following Hobbs' public apology for the song choice. This decision came after a group of Jewish students expressed their concerns to Hobbs, highlighting the contentious nature of the musical selection, which they felt was inappropriate given the historical context of Remembrance Day.

While the Ottawa Police Service stated that the school had not reported the vandalism, police were active in the area during a planned demonstration by pro-Palestinian groups advocating against "anti-Palestinian racism" and hoping to show solidarity with affected students. In a twist, a counter-demonstration organized by concerned parents aimed to protect student safety as they left school amid the protests.

The protest location was eventually shifted to the office of Lisa MacLeod, a local Conservative MPP, who faced backlash for calling for Hobbs' dismissal due to the event's controversial music. Through this chaos, MacLeod emphasized the importance of student safety and expressed her gratitude that the protests did not occur directly outside the school.

The situation rapidly escalated, leading to calls from advocacy groups such as Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME). The organization condemned the public backlash and the graffiti as manifestations of anti-Arab sentiment, criticizing media portrayal of the incident as "sensationalist."

The song that stirred this debate, "Haza Salam" by Mahim Ahmed, translates to “This is Peace.” It gained prominence in light of recent geopolitical events, particularly after the attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Critics argue that playing this song in a Remembrance Day context reflects poor judgment, potentially detracting from the solemnity of honoring those who have served in the military.

In light of unfolding developments, the school board has promised a thorough investigation into the incident and will continue to engage with community leaders to address the concerns surrounding the events that transpired during the Remembrance Day ceremonies. As tensions remain high, the community watches closely to see how education and civic responsibility will navigate this complex issue.