Seeing anyone in the kind of emotional pain displayed by Svend Robinson yesterday at his press conference would be difficult; seeing it in Svend was heart breaking.

I’ve known Svend for more than 20 years. He is a comrade, a friend in common struggle. I have always been amazed by his ability to maintain his politics and his principle in the middle of that goopy swamp on Parliament Hill. In a world where principle is a rare commodity and ambition too often trumps honesty and integrity, Svend is a shining light. He has consistently stood up for what he believes, and risked everything for the cause.

The integrity shone through yesterday as well. He could have chosen a more private exit to deal with his personal demons, allowing Libby Davies or Jack Layton to speak on his behalf. That he did so publicly is very Svend but it shows the same kind of courage he has shown on other issues, probably more.

Like many of us with a passion for social justice, Svend always put politics first. He was in Parliament scant weeks after his accident even with his jaw wired shut. He was deeply wounded by attacks calling him anti-Semitic after his return from his controversial trip to the Middle East a couple of years ago but he maintained his principled support of the Palestinian cause and his equally fierce opposition to anti-Semitism.

When he supported the New Politics Initiative a few years ago, many people warned us that he was using the NPI as a leadership vehicle. They didn’t know Svend very well. Here as at other times — when he became the first openly gay Member of Parliament; when he sat with Sue Rodriguez until the end; when he put himself in harm’s way in Quebec City, and even when he returned that ring to the police accepting as he said “full responsibility,” for what he did — he never has put his personal ambitions before his principles and his integrity. And that is a rare quality in our world.

So far it seems as if the media and the political opposition are dealing with Svend’s announcement with kindness and even solidarity. But we must be vigilant as the news cycle searches for more details on the story. Svend has stood up for so many of us — women, gays, disabled people, Aboriginal people, Palestinians, Jews — it is time to stand up for him. Email Svend your support. Let him know how much he means to you.

No doubt leaving the public eye and struggling with whatever it is he has to deal with now will be the toughest fight of his life. As Jack Layton said yesterday, let’s wish all the strength and courage he has brought to his public life to be with him in this private struggle.

Judy Rebick

Judy Rebick

Judy Rebick is one of Canada’s best-known feminists. She was the founding publisher of rabble.ca , wrote our advice column auntie.com and was co-host of one of our first podcasts called Reel Women....