JEWISH COMMUNITY REACTS TO YORK UNIVERSITY TASK FORCE

“We are pleased that the university has taken in account the deep concerns expressed by our community,” said David Koschitzky, Chair, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. “We think the Task force is a meaningful first step in our desire to see York University stop intimidation and harassment on campus and we hope that investigations now underway into an ugly February 11 incident targeting Jewish students will move ahead with full force while the Task force is being formed.”

On February 11th, a mob of a 100 anti-Israel protesters barricaded Jewish students in Hillel lounge yelling anti-Semitic and anti-Israel slurs. Police were forced to escort Jewish students out of the lounge to ensure their safety.  Other anti-Semitic incidents including graffiti and verbal attacks continue to be reported on campus.

“We will lend support to this task force with the expectation that it will lead to a campus that respects civil discourse and the fair enforcement of the rules”, said Daniel Ferman, President of Hillel@York. “We also urge the York administration to address the immediate safety concerns affecting Jewish students on campus prior to the August 31st deadline of this task force”.

“We hope that the appointment of the task force will fully acknowledge and remedy the fear that Jewish students currently feel on their campus,” said Hasbara at York President Aaron Rosenberg.

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To read York University’s recent announcement: http://www.yorku.ca/mediar/archive/Release.php?Release=1636

Media Contacts:

Media Contact:
Sally Szuster, Public and Media Relations
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Phone: 416.840-2988/Cell: 647-280-6017 sszuster@ujafed.org www.jewishtoronto.com

or

Natalie Menaged, Managing Director
Hasbara Fellowships
Phone:  646-365-0030/ cell: 646-897-9708
nmenaged@aish.com

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