Victoria councillor regrets 'polarization' stemming from open letter on Israel-Hamas

A Victoria city councillor facing backlash for signing a controversial open letter on the Israel-Hamas war has said she regrets that the matter has caused "polarization" in her community.

A Victoria city councillor facing backlash for signing a controversial open letter on the Israel-Hamas war has said she regrets that the matter has caused "polarization" in her community.

Coun. Susan Kim was one of two Canadian politicians whose names appear on the letter, which calls for a ceasefire in the conflict but also criticizes NDP leader Jagmeet Singh for repeating what it calls "the unverified accusation that Palestinians were guilty of sexual violence."

Israeli authorities have said they're investigating several cases of sexual assault and rape that took place during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, which sparked Israel's ongoing invasion of the Gaza Strip.

In a statement on Monday, Kim stressed that she "will always believe survivors of sexual violence."

"The use of sexual violence in war is undeniably among the worst facets of human history. My condemnation of all sexual violence is perpetual and unconditional," she wrote.

The councillor added that she did not author the letter – despite reports in international media outlets, which she said had never contacted her to verify her involvement – but signed due to her belief that a ceasefire is "a necessary next step in de-escalating the horrific conflict we're seeing on the other side of the globe."

Kim also pledged to be "more attentive to community" before adopting positions in her role as a local leader going forward.