Toronto (December 5, 2019) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is outraged that York University has decided to withdraw a Jewish students group’s privileges, including reserving space and postering.

A letter from York states that a preliminary internal review following the November 20 antisemitic protest on campus has led the university to conclude that a “more immediate intervention is needed with both Herut Zionism and Students Against Israeli Apartheid.” The letter states that privileges such as reserving space, tabling and postering at York University have been withdrawn for both student groups, pending a review.

“Instead of reprimanding SAIA for initiating an antisemitic protest against an event hosted by a Jewish group and for creating a toxic environment on campus, York has taken a step backward by unfairly punishing Jewish students.” FSWC president and CEO Avi Benlolo. “We will continue to stand with Jewish students and any pro-Israel group that wants to exercise its free speech on campus without intimidation and violence. York should be suspending its relationship with the York Federation of Students over its appalling anti-Israel resolution last week and immediately removing the violence-promoting mural hanging in the student centre.”

FSWC is calling on the York administration to reinstate full privileges to the Jewish club immediately.

FSWC is not affiliated with Herut Canada or any other campus organization.