Jewish students from major Canadian universities visited Parliament Hill to discuss the rise in antisemitism on their campuses during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The students spoke to Liberal MPs, including Anthony Housefather, who initiated a parliamentary committee study on antisemitism on campuses starting the next day. Concerns were raised by Jewish students and faculty about increased antisemitic behavior since Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides. Protest encampments have been set up at Canadian universities, including McGill University, the University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, and the University of British Columbia, to demonstrate against Israel’s actions.
Claire Frankel, a student at McGill University, mentioned hearing slogans that dehumanize Jews, but also acknowledged that many students are protesting for the sake of achieving lasting peace. Some of the chants heard at protests and encampments targeted Zionists, with slogans like “All Zionists are racist” and “Leave Palestine alone and go back to Europe.” The word “intifada,” often used in these protests, carries different meanings in Arabic and English, and is associated with intense periods of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, involving attacks by Palestinian terrorist groups on public venues in Israel.
Several Jewish student leaders spoke about the impact of the rise in antisemitism on campus life. Yos Tarshish, who leads the Queen’s University chapter of a national Jewish organization, questioned the role of bystanders in addressing antisemitic behavior. He called for regular Canadians to speak out against hateful rhetoric aimed at Jewish students, emphasizing the need for collective condemnation of discriminatory attitudes. Some students have reported avoiding classes or concealing their Jewish identity due to fear and discomfort resulting from the increased antisemitism on campuses.
Administrators and Jewish leaders have expressed concerns about the presence of antisemitic chants and slogans at protests on Canadian campuses. They have emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards hate speech and discriminatory behavior, urging all members of the university community to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all students. The rise in antisemitism following the Israel-Hamas conflict has heightened tensions within the university campuses, prompting discussions about the appropriate response to such incidents and the need for collective action to address discriminatory attitudes.
The Jewish students who visited Parliament Hill sought to draw attention to the challenges they face on Canadian campuses due to the rise in antisemitism during the Israel-Hamas conflict. By engaging with MPs and sharing their experiences, they hoped to raise awareness about the impact of discriminatory behavior on Jewish students and the need for a concerted effort to address and combat antisemitism. The ongoing protests and demonstrations at universities have highlighted the complex dynamics at play and the need for dialogue and collaboration to promote peace, understanding, and mutual respect among all members of the university community. The discussions on Parliament Hill reflect a broader conversation about the importance of upholding values of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.
