Stand Up to Combat Antisemitism at U of T
For several years there have been incidents of antisemitism at U of T, including the ominous BDS Committee of the Grad Student Union, the annual anti-Israel hatefest called Israel Apartheid Week, various hostile acts like the student union not allowing kosher food on campus, attempts to hire a dishonorable anti-Israel academic for a position in a new Law Department program. Enough is Enough!
Several faculty members shared their concerns with NGOs in the community in 2020 and working collaboratively with B’nai Brith Canada, these were all brought to the attention of the university administration. CAEF also expressed serious concerns in 2019 and 2020 and was systematically advised by President, Dr. Meric Gertler, that student bodies are independent of the university, not accountable to the administration, and it was important to support freedom of speech on campus. However, as we expressed then, all is not explained by claiming student organizations are independent of administration and freedom of speech is no justification for antisemitism.
Student bodies must operate under guiding policies of the university. Student fees should not pay for antisemitic acts or policies of any student organization. Freedom of speech has become an excuse not a policy when it is only applicable for legitimizing slurs against Israel and spreading Jew hatred, for never would it be accepted if such lies were directed against any other minority or country. Civil discourse be damned is what has happened to academic discussion and it’s been open season on Jew hatred.
On Tuesday, March 23 at 7pm EST, please join a group of concerned professors and students, supported by a broad coalition of Jewish communal organizations and synagogues, for a special virtual town hall event in which we will all learn more about the situation and work together to decide on a pathway forward.
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