York U condemns student unions’ statement of support for Palestinians that called Hamas attack ‘strong act of resistance’
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Posted October 13, 2023 3:05 pm.
Last Updated October 13, 2023 9:36 pm.
York University officials are condemning a statement shared by three student unions on the Israel-Hamas war.
The York Federation of Students, York University Graduate Student Association and the Glendon College Student Union shared the joint statement of solidarity of Palestine, reading in part, “These events serve as a reminder that resistance against colonial violence is justified and necessary.”
“Recently, in a strong act of resistance, the Palestinian people tore down and crossed the illegitimate border fence erected by the settler-colonial apartheid state of so-called Israel,” the student unions wrote.
“These resistance efforts are a direct response to the ongoing and violent occupation of Palestine. Since 1948, Palestinian people have been systemically displaced from their land and homes as a result of state-sanctioned violence, siege, and genocide.”
Israel has been pounding Gaza with airstrikes since Hamas militants carried out an unprecedented cross-border attack last Saturday, killing over 1,300 people in a brutal rampage.
Ontario house leader, others criticize York U student unions
York University officials acknowledged the statement on Friday. They called on the three student unions to “immediately clarify that they firmly reject any acts of violence or discrimination against Jewish students or other members of the community.”
“York University unequivocally condemns the inflammatory statement shared by three student unions last night. Freedom of expression has limits and comes with responsibilities. It must never reach into promoting or justifying violence against unarmed civilians,” a university spokesperson wrote on X.
“To suggest otherwise is abhorrent and does not reflect the views of York University, nor the perspective of many thousands of York University students.”
Ontario Government House Leader Paul Calandra said he’s aware of the joint statement, urging the group to “reconsider what they have done.”
“I am going to restrain myself because I didn’t know that the statement went out,” Calandra said. “… I just don’t see what confusion there is. You have people that have been taken hostage. You have families that have been slaughtered and butchered by terrorists.”
Calandra called on York University to issue sanctions against the three student unions and revealed that Premier Doug Ford would be tabling a motion supporting the state of Israel “and condemning the actions of Hamas.”
Jill Dunlop, the Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities, said the statement shared by the three student unions was unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
“The groups need to apologize and rescind their statement,” Dunlop wrote. “Otherwise, I expect York University to hold these groups accountable for their actions.”