B’nai Brith Canada is pleased to welcome former Montreal City Councillor Marvin Rotrand as the National Director of its League for Human Rights.

In what can only be described as a “brilliant hire,” B’nai Brith Canada has annonced that   former Montreal City Councillor Marvin Rotrand will become their new  National Director of its League for Human Rights

Rotrand served as a Councillor for 39 consecutive years. Recently, he announced he would not be seeking re-election in November. 

“Marvin’s extensive contacts at all three levels of government and his record of defending civil rights and building alliances between various communities will be a real asset for our organization,” said Michael Mostyn, Chief Executive Officer of B’nai Brith Canada. “Marvin shares our vision of advancing our advocacy and promoting initiatives vital to the Jewish community and minorities at large. We look forward to Marvin strengthening our ability to sensitize government to antisemitism and hate in all its forms.” 

Rotrand’s last motion as a Councillor, adopted by Montreal on Sept. 27, 2021, was an invitation to the next City Council to make the fight against hate a top priority for the municipality.

“Covid-19 has brought out the haters,” Rotrand said. “Statistics Canada has reported that crime fell nationally by five per cent in 2020 but that hate crimes rose an unprecedented 37 per cent, to their highest reported level in history. Jews are the most targeted. Hatred is unacceptable and this position with B’nai Brith will allow our organization to work with governments and other bodies toward finding effective solutions.”

Rotrand reiterated B’nai Brith’s stance against online hate, which foments radicalization and violence. He supports strengthening constraints and advancing measures to reduce online hate. 

Rotrand’s time as a Councillor included 17 years as Vice President of the Société de transport de Montreal and a stint on the Public Security Commission, where his work led to the creation of the Quebec Police Ethics Commission. As the longest serving Councillor, he was the “dean” of municipal politicians in Montreal and chaired the Intercultural Commission. Rotrand’s work in early 2020 provoked a reflection of an upswing of anti-Asian racism leading Montreal, Toronto, and a dozen other cities to adopt motions of solidarity.

By Mike Cohen
 www.mikecohen.ca