Open Letter
To whom it may concern,
On behalf of the Canadian Federation of Jewish Students, we wish to condemn the recent decision by the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) at the University of Ottawa against partnering with a Jewish organization, based on one element of that organization’s mandate.
As a social justice organization, OPIRG should actively seek out Hillel Ottawa as a partner. Among Hillel’s mandates, conveniently ignored by OPIRG’s uninformed decision, are the ideas of social justice (Tikkun Olam) and charity (Tzedakah). Partnering with Hillel on events that promote social justice would offer OPIRG a new audience. The event which OPIRG declined to co-sponsor would have focused on interfaith cooperation, sustainable living practices, and perseverance with limited resources; all squarely within OPIRG’s overall priorities.
OPIRG justifies this decision by citing what it calls Hillel’s “Zionist Ideology” which “does not fit within OPIRG’s mandate of human right’s, social justice.” [sic] This stance clearly shows the uninformed and ideologically-motivated nature of OPIRG’s decision-making structures. An organization that gets more funding (at $200,000+) per year than any other levied service at the University of Ottawa has an obligation to display greater discernment and inclusivity.
At the heart of OPIRG’s objection is its conclusion that Zionism is antithetical to human rights. This outrageous position flows from the insidious strategy set out during the infamous “Durban” Conference. As Martin Luther King Jr. told a student who attacked Zionism in his presence, “when people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews. You’re talking anti-Semitism.” Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people, like every other people, have a right to a homeland. It is inherently antisemitic to single out Jews for seeking self-determination.
In no uncertain terms, the Canadian Federation of Jewish Students believes that OPIRG has made a fundamental error – both in its assessment of Zionism and in its refusal to partner with a Jewish organization. This decision flies in the face of OPIRG’s claim to speak on behalf of human rights and social justice, and should call into question their right to automatically access student funds through the university levy system.
We at CFJS commit to working both with OPIRG and with the broader campus community to resolve this issue in a fair and reasonable manner.
 Sincerely,
Ariella Kimmel
Vice – President External
Canadian Federation of Jewish Students
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@CIJAinfo