UJA Strongly Condemns Resolution Boycotting Israel at York University

“The policy in question violates fundamental tenets of academic freedom and runs counter to the tradition of free speech and debate which Canadians hold so dear.  The presidents of 19 Canadian universities, including York, have already publicly declared their principled opposition to such boycotts.  This decision places YCISS clearly outside of the Canadian academic mainstream”, said UJA Federation Chair of the Board David Koschitzky.

Pointing out that YCISS is one 12 “Centres of Excellence” funded by the Security and Defence Forum under Canada’s Department of National Defence,  Mr. Koschitzky continued by saying that this decision “can only compromise YCISS’s international reputation, which has historically been a source of pride both for York and the Greater Toronto area community to which it belongs.”

“We call upon YCISS to reverse this policy, and on York University to reaffirm its opposition to academic boycotts, and we encourage all Canadians who believe in free speech and academic freedom to communicate their concerns to the University”, concluded Mr. Koschitzky.

National Advocacy organizations condemning the adoption of the policy include:
UIA Federations Canada
Canadian Jewish Congress
The Canada-Israel Committee
The Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy


For More Information:
Howard English, VP, Corporate Communications
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Phone: 416.631.5735/ Cell: 416 274 8461

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