For over two years, Canadians from across the country have been speaking out against the genocide that is taking place in Gaza. The images we have all seen have been horrific and deeply troubling - a testament to the brutality of the actions the Israeli army and Netanyahu’s regime are inflicting on the people of Gaza.
Statement on IDF soldiers platformed at Canadian universities
This week, I was outraged to learn that a tour of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers was organized across Canadian and American universities, including most recently at Toronto Metropolitan University. It is unacceptable for any institution of higher learning to permit active members of a foreign military force - particularly one currently engaged in genocide, forced starvation, and forced displacement of civilians - to use resources from publicly funded post-secondary institutions.
It is utterly unacceptable for Canadian universities to provide a platform to members of a military force that is committing genocide. These institutions have a moral and social responsibility to stand with international law and human rights, not with those who violate them.
A few months ago, I wrote to the Canadian government to express my concerns following media reports suggesting Canadians serving in the IDF may have committed serious crimes. Individuals in Canada - both citizens and non-citizens - are subject to the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, which gives Canadian authorities the legal ability to investigate and prosecute international crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Let me be clear: any individuals in Canada who are suspected of committing such crimes, in any context around the world, must be investigated and, if evidence warrants, prosecuted. It is unclear whether the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has conducted interviews with any of the individual IDF soldiers currently touring Canadian universities. The Government of Canada must immediately address these concerns. This is not only a matter of international law or domestic law; it is also a matter of public safety.
After hearing from student activists, I am alarmed by the events that occurred this week, especially as a number of young people were hospitalized after attempting to interrupt the event that was taking place. The right to protest is protected in Canada.
I will be writing to the Presidents of three Canadian universities that platformed these speaking engagements to express my concerns and insist that our public institutions never again legitimize or normalize war crimes. I will also raise my concerns with the Canadian government that IDF soldiers are freely touring Canadian universities while the genocide continues.
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On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I honour the Palestinian-Canadian community and Palestinian people around the world.