In a letter to McGill University's Suzanne Fortier, Principal and Vice Chancellor and to Christopher Manfredi, Provost and Vice Principal;

Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center wrote:

"I am terribly horrified by reports that one of your students, Mr. Igor Sadikov, a member and representative of the Students Society of McGill, tweeted "punch a Zionist today". 

"I note your university has issued a statement that "McGill (is) steadfast in support for respectful discourse" and that "appropriate offices are taking action as required".  In my view, your statement is weak given the severity and incitement toward hate and violence displayed by the student.  A more reasonable statement in line with vigour expressed in some of your other press releases might be - "McGill Condemns Violence Against Jewish Students".

"A university has a responsibility to keep its student body safe and secure from the threat of violence.  Jewish students on university campuses today are victimized by hate mongers who are channeling their antisemitic intolerance.  I also implore you to take immediate action by strengthening your statement about violence and incitement specifically against Jewish students – name it and shame it – rather than use coded language as you have in your release".