Sheldon Kirshner is a Toronto journalist and commentator whose work covers the Middle East, Jewish affairs, culture and travel. He worked for the Canadian Jewish News for 39 years before continuing as an independent writer.
Case
Officials sought to bar the Balad leader over his October 2023 writing. His lawyers disputed the armed-struggle threshold, and Balad announced withdrawal after a Supreme Court warning.
Role at the time: Journalist and political commentator
Statement summary
Sheldon Kirshner backed the decision to exclude Abu Shehadeh, arguing that his article breached the prohibition on supporting armed struggle against Israel.
“Abu Shehadeh crossed a red line when he broke a basic law”
Relative to excluding Abu Shehadeh, Kirshner supports the ban. His opposition to excluding other party lists concerns separate decisions.
Statement dates: September 25, 2026
Statement dates: September 25, 2026
