Tuesday, January 06, 2009

CUPE Ontario Calls For a Ban on Israeli Academics

Sid Ryan, the President of CUPE Ontario, has announced that he will propose a ban on Israeli academics at a meeting next month.

As stated on the Globe and Mail's website, Ryan's proposal will ban Israeli academics from speaking, teaching or researching at Ontario universities, if they "do not explicitly condemn Israeli action in Gaza."

This stems from on an incident on Dec.29, when the Israeli Defense Force attacked a university in Gaza, which was allegedly affiliated with Hamas.

Adding fuel to the fire, Ryan stated, "Attacking an institution of learning is just beyond the pale. They (IDF) deliberately targeted an institution of learning. That's what the Nazis did."

This is absolutely disgusting.

First off, to put the IDF in the same category as the Nazis is harsh and insulting. It is grossly incorrect. Second, if CUPE believes in the rights and freedoms of people, why would they even consider restricting a certain group from having those same rights and freedoms? It makes no sense.

Sid Ryan has publicly shown his ignorance. He has intentionally expressed antisemitism. He has also tarnished the image and reputation of CUPE. I encourage all CUPE members to speak with their leaders and DEMAND Sid Ryan's resignation.

- The Hek

4 comments:

Blake said...

I agree completely. Absolutely disgraceful. Ryan is a national embarrassment, not just for CUPE but for all Canadians. He's shown himself to be in the same league as David Ahenakew. Contemptible behaviour.

I'm so bloody sick of all the anti-Israel rhetoric... for pity's sake, Hamas started this whole thing! The Israelis endured their rockets attacks - which killed scores of innocent people - for 10 years before saying enough is enough. I commend their restraint up to this point!

Israel pulled out of Gaza and agreed to a ceasefire, and what did Hamas do? Use the lull to regroup and re-arm, build more rockets; they were never serious about peace in the first place.

It's never been about ending the occupation and securing Palestinian freedom. Their goal has been and always shall be the destruction of the Jewish state. There's no reasoning or compromise with fanatical zealots like that - they'll stab you in the back every time.

So, I think that Israel is completely justified in opening a few cans of whoop-ass in Gaza. They have a right and duty to protect their citizens from harm, like any responsible government. Yet much of the world vilifies Israel for this, ignoring Hamas' role in precipitating this whole mess. Unbelievable...

And, finally, the IDF goes out of its way to AVOID injuring or killing civilians in its operations - they don't deliberately target the innocent. I can't recall Hamas/Hezbollah rocketeers or suicide bombers ever showing the same courtesy...

Anyway, rant over. My apologies for being so political, and if I've offended anyone. Just had to get that off my chest.

Eric Rosenhek said...

No worries, Blake. I always appreciate your insight. You know a lot more about this stuff than I do.

Anonymous said...

Great news brief, Hek!

<3 a.

Eric Rosenhek said...

Thanks!