
For immediate release
March 21, 2013
On Thursday, March 21, 2013, York Federation of Students (YFS) voted to accept a motion of Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) targeting the State of Israel. In response, Hillel @ York together with Hasbara @ York – Students for Israel issued the following statement:
“We are extremely disappointed that YFS would pass a resolution boycotting Israelis. This represents nothing less than a blacklist against residents of a single country – the world’s only Jewish state and the sole liberal democracy in the Middle East. It is fundamentally racist, and a possible violation of the university’s anti-discrimination codes, to discriminate against the people of Israel on the basis of national origin,” said Chaim Lax, President of Hasbara @ York.
“In taking this reckless decision, YFS has betrayed its very mandate and the sensibilities of the overwhelming majority of York students. YFS exists as a forum to unite students to advance the quality of student life – it is not a debating society that recommends punitive measures in response to divisive foreign policy issues. It is alarming that YFS, to which all York students are required to pay dues, would be asked to take a stand on behalf of all students on an overseas issue that has nothing to do with student issues,” said Jessica Cherkasov, York Students for Israel, Hillel @ York.
“It is unacceptable that YFS failed to provide any public notice or agenda for this meeting. This is sadly typical of activists who employ undemocratic tactics to advance their efforts – including snap meetings, surprise resolutions, and inadequate or non-existent notice. We call on all students to voice their disappointment to YFS representatives and demand that this discriminatory resolution be rescinded immediately,” said Cherkasov.
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