CIJA Statement on Hasan Piker Event at UBC

Vancouver, B.C. – February 10, 2026 – On Thursday, controversial U.S.-based streamer Hasan Piker will speak at an event at the University of British Columbia’s Chan Centre. 

In response, Nico Slobinsky, Vice President, Pacific Region, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement: 

“Since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, we have seen a surge of antisemitism across Canada. According to a Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver survey, one-fifth of all reported antisemitic incidents in B.C. happened at a post-secondary institution. 

“This is why CIJA, the Jewish community, and other allies expressed our concerns regarding Hasan Piker’s February 12 event at UBC’s Chan Centre. Mr. Piker has a long public record of rhetoric that minimizes or excuses political violence, amplifies extremist actors, and repeatedly demonizes Jews and Israelis. 

“Recently, Mr. Piker was temporarily banned from Twitch again after using a phrase that violated the platform’s community guidelines during a stream. In discussing national security, he referred to alleged trackers with terms including “Zionist pigs” and “Israel-first monsters”. 

“Freedom of expression does not mean compromising institutional integrity and student safety by giving a platform to individuals who utilize hateful and harmful rhetoric. At a moment of rising antisemitism and broader societal division, it is the responsibility of all of us, including university administrators and campus communities, to model respectful and thoughtful dialogue.” 

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