Showing posts with label CUPE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CUPE. Show all posts

Monday, February 23, 2009

Re. CUPE Ontario & Israel

Normally, I don't like commenting on political matters. However, CUPE Ontario's boycott of Israeli Universities is one issue that makes my blood boil. I don't know what kind of kool-aid Sid Ryan handed out at the Windsor conference, but it clearly and unfortunately did its job.

This boycott creates more divisions and encourages anger and hatred. No matter how hard CUPE Ontario tries to sugarcoat it, this boycott is antisemitic and hurts our country's reputation as an accepting and multicultural society.

For one thing, the Israel/Gaza conflict does not fall under CUPE's jurisdiction. Second of all, if CUPE wants to make a statement about this issue, they should encourage members from different backgrounds to have discussions about the conflict and come up with peaceful resolutions; perhaps this would set an example for others to follow.

Instead, however, CUPE has chosen to boycott, which is nothing more than a step backwards.

I know I have said this before, but it needs repeating:

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, CONDEMN this boycott and DEMAND Sid Ryan's resignation.

- ER

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