Toronto (December 10, 2019) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is considering launching a Task Force to investigate the problem of rampant and systemic antisemitism at York University.

The Task Force will be responsible for establishing facts regarding the scope of antisemitism at the University as well as making recommendations for clear actions that need to be taken in order to address the problem.

FSWC also met with the Minister of Colleges and Universities, senior staff from the Premier’s Office and a group of MPPs last night to demand quick government action to address spiraling antisemitism at York University.

FSWC called on the government to withdraw a portion of public funding to York until the university can guarantee the free speech rights of Jewish students are protected. Under Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) legislation, the province retains the right to cut funding to universities that do not comply with minimum free speech standards.

“At a meeting with the Minister of Colleges and Universities, I expressed to the Minister the unprecedented nature of the antisemitic brawl at York University on November 20th, which includes issues concerning the safety and security of Jewish students, their right to freedom of speech and to holding pro-Israel events and the inappropriateness of the university investigating itself. It's necessary for the Minister and Government of Ontario to step in on behalf of Ontario’s citizens and use all mechanisms at its disposal, including cutting funding to the university, unless immediate steps are undertaken to provide a safe environment for Jewish students,” said Avi Benlolo, President and CEO of FSWC.