Air Canada suspends pilot over wearing pro-Palestinian colours in uniform and social media posts
- In Reports
- 07:11 PM, Oct 11, 2023
- Myind Staff
Air Canada has reportedly taken a Montreal-based first officer, Mostafa Ezzo, off active duty amid allegations of him donning pro-Palestinian colors in uniform and posting derogatory comments against Israel on social media. According to The Toronto Sun's report, Ezzo was purportedly seen wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh while on duty, which raised concerns among passengers and the airline. These events unfolded against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to this disciplinary action by the airline.
According to Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick, the pilot in question was removed from active service starting yesterday. Although Mostafa Ezzo continues to be employed by the airline, he has been grounded and is now on Air Canada's internal no-fly list as a result of the recent events.
The pilot's social media accounts, which had contained the controversial posts, have been subsequently removed from public view.
Concerns arose regarding the pilot's participation in promoting a pro-Palestine rally in Montreal, with a post that featured a caption reading, "F*** you Israel, burn in hell." Another post labeled Israel a "terrorist state" and expressed pride in Hitler.
Airline authorities expressed that Ezzo's expressed opinions and social media activities are inconsistent with Air Canada's stance, which led to his suspension. Air Canada has stated that an investigation is currently underway to address the matter.
The airline also emphasized its strong stance against violence in all its forms through social media posts.
“We are aware of the unacceptable posts made by an Air Canada pilot. We are taking this matter very seriously, and he was taken out of service on Mon, Oct. 9,” the post stated.
"We did this because this individual’s opinions and publications on social media do not represent Air Canada’s views in any way," Fitzpatrick told The Toronto Sun. "This person has never been authorized to speak publicly while identifying themselves as an Air Canada employee," he added.
Image source: India Today
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