Roni Stauber:
From late 1990s to 2006, there was a 300% increase in anti-Semitic acts, such as vandalism and personal attacks. It declined in 2007-8, and he didn’t say why; he expects it to increase after the war with Hamas. He provided numerous examples of extremist Muslim attacks on Jews, Jewish buildings, and other Jewish sites and noted that the western press remained quiet (or worse, apologetic!).
He cited an Oxford scholar; also cited Canadian author of book, The Case against Israel, both of whom blame Jews and Israeli policies for anti-Semitic attacks --- blame the victims!
The present anti-Zionist campaign(s), as propounded by the radical left and Islamic extremists, is anti-Semitic --- advocating destruction of the state of Israel will lead to the destruction of Jews.
Senator Jeremiah Grafstein:
There have been anti-Semitic eruptions at all three university campuses in Toronto: University of Toronto, York (which he suspects has the highest percentage of Jewish students of any university in the Commonwealth), and Ryerson University.
Anti-Semitism is not new; rather it is becoming more pervasive and is more pernicious.
Repeated, “Silence is not an option.”
Discussed what qualifies as free speech. Argh. Without respect, there can be no freedom according to him. Ugh. Would his view justify the Canadian Human Rights Commissions? What's the difference? I’d set the bar quite differently. Says that Lloyd Axworthy, former cabinet minister and current prez of University of Winnipeg, called people in and told them he would expel them if they do anything that smacks of intimidation. [Later someone said Axworthy should resign from Human Rights Watch.]
“I love some of the saints.” [groan. save me!]
Presented a 15-minute 3000-year history of anti-Semitism to show it isn’t new.
Injudicious statement: “The Muslims are quite bright actually. Really. They take every bright idea and pervert it.”
No wonder I don’t much like politicians.
Proposition: all anti-Semitism is local. Interesting concept for directing actions of members of the conference.
Wants to establish a Jewish college at University of Toronto. I wonder how he’d feel about having a Muslim college established at U of T.
Discussion:
An interesting suggested counter to “Israel Apartheid Week”: Israel Democracy Week. Or, “Radical Islamist Week”. Other speakers point out that groups at many universities are planning counter-events.
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