Today York University responded to concerns raised about a conference on campus about Israel, Palestine and the future. The response is below:
http://www.yorku.ca/mediar/archive/Release.php?Release=1696
Sadly, the response does not address the issues the conference raises for Jews. It largely uses academic freedom as an explanation for why there is a conference.
The issues to be discussed raise existential questions about the Jewish nation – whether there will be Jews in the 21st of 22nd Century.
“Israel/Palestine: Mapping Models of Statehood and Paths to Peace” aims to explore a one-state, bi-national solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, the imposition of which would spell the end of Israel as a Jewish state. The conference will include a number of speakers who are recognizable for their roles as organizers and outspoken proponents of “Israel apartheid week” and the Israel boycott movement.
Candidly it is hard to imagine a similar conference being held to discuss the future of any other group with similar existential concerns – say First Nations – and the use of academic freedom to avoid considering the underlying problems is troubling.
8 comments:
A law professor and co-chair of the Liberal Party COP is advocating CENSORSHIP instead of defending academic discourse and basic freedom of speech! Is this the Liberal Party policy?!
The conference topic is openly and freely debated in Israel but apparently it should be forbidden at York University according to Mr. Morton!
No, I'm not advocating censorship. I am saying what I believe is right. Expressing my view does not mean I am tramping on the rights of other -- indeed, the suggest smacks of self censorship. I am advocating respect for the concerns of a community facing extinction. Academic freedom is fine; I am not saying people cannot advocate for the destruction of Israel and the end of the Jewish faith. I am saying York University ought not to. And frankly I am allowed to say that -- I get to have my freedom of expression too.
Oooh, Morton's pissed!
I suspect anonymous is too scared to show who he really is. Perhaps he is a Conservative troll? But ignoring the silly comment about censorship there is a bigger issue. If Israel is truly a modern democratic state then it should be non-religious based. Just because it is surrounded by God obsessed states doesn't mean it should be. Israelis are more sophisticated -- or should be more sophisticated -- and so able
I'm a bit confused...how is it that a one-state solution equates to both the end of the Jewish state, and more importantly, "the end of the Jewish faith"...?
Seems to me Judaism survived for 2000 years without a state...and yet, creation of a pluralistic state in the land historically identified as biblical Israel spells its end? Is that how weak the religion has become in your mind?
James I fully respect your right to express your views and as you uphold this right for yourself you can not possibly deny that to others. Does "community concern" trups the principle of freedom of speech? You did not tell me James, If this id openly debated in Israel, why do you thing it is disrespectful to discuss it at York?
I really cant believe how messed up York has become.
This is so sad. This isnt freedom of speech, this is lobbying and brainwashing not presenting actual facts or having a debate.
If you want a debate invite Dershowitz or someone who doesnt follow this crap blindly.
this is just pathetic.
Is Ahmadinehjad going to speak too? He would only be the logical keynote speaker at a conference like this.
I want to add this question: Is York intentionally trying to be racist lately? Becuase that is all they do now, anti-israel this anti-israel that. What not promote a conference on something that ACTUALLY IS RELATED TO YOU
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