CSU bites backThere is some correct and useful information in Vanessa Fischer’s article Jewish campus group ousted from Concordia (Jan. 7). Hillel did indeed have a flier on its information table advertising the Mahal 2000 program, which brings non-Israeli Jews to serve in the Israeli Defense Force. There were also fliers that mocked Islam, saying that students had “Jihad enough” and fliers comparing Palestinian suicide bombers with KKK Klansmen. Nevertheless, The Varsity article also contained some important factual errors that need correcting.The first problem is the headline. The Hillel club was never “ousted” from Concordia. In the Dec. 2 meeting of the CSU council of representatives, Hillel’s club privileges were suspended. This only means the club could no longer book rooms or tables, or receive funding from the CSU. They could still book rooms or tables through the Dean of Students. The CSU cannot ban a group from campus. Only the university can do that.On Dec. 6, CSU President Sabine Freisinger reinstated Hillel’s club status, but kept the freeze on Hillel’s funding until its executive agreed to sign a statement of principles that all other clubs would need to sign in order to receive CSU funding. The statement would have committed all student clubs to oppose racism and discrimination, and to refrain from promoting war. Hillel refused to sign the statement because of a stated desire to promote various wars. The war on terrorism and the war against Iraq were specifically mentioned. To accommodate these concerns, the statement was changed to merely commit groups to refrain from recruiting for military or paramilitary organizations. This is consistent with a standing policy of the CSU, passed by general referendum, that declares Concordia a military-free zone. Hillel still refuses to sign the statement, but has yet to provide a reason.Hillel has had two chances to defend itself. The first chance was at the Dec. 2 meeting of Council. Hillel complains that no notice was given for the motion of suspension of club privileges before the meeting and soit did not have a chance to prepare a defence (nevertheless, Hillel executives were present at that meeting and argued against the motion).There was a second meeting on Dec. 12, where due notice was given that the matter would be discussed again. Hillel chose not to defend itself at that meeting, opting instead to make a vocal protest and walk out. At that meeting, the presidential decree of Dec. 6 (reinstating Hillel’s group status, but continuing the freeze on funding) was ratified by Council.If Hillel executives feel they have not had a fair hearing, they may appeal to the CSU Judicial Board. Hillel continues to enjoy club status under the CSU. It will have access to its funding, just like every other club, when it signs a statement of principles, just like every other club.The CSU hopes Hillel will sign this statement and put the Mahal 2000 flier issue to rest.Sincerely,David BernansCSU ResearcherHillel, mad as hellAn Open Letter to the Concordia Student Union:We, the leadership of the Ontario Jewish university student community, strongly condemn your recent suspension of Concordia Hillel. We are deeply distressed that as student leaders at a Canadian university, much like our own, you have engaged in actions that are anti-Semitic in effect, if not intent. Our concern is based on two principles. First, CSU’s process in suspending Hillel lacked both an inquiry into Hillel’s alleged actions and an opportunity for Hillel to respond to these accusations. Without these things, your actions at best constitute a kangaroo court and at worst a lynch mob. Second, your selective approach to censure is deplorable. Why is it that you are so quick to punish a campus Jewish group for alleged wrongdoing, while you remained silent when campus Arab groups and their supporters openly called for violence that resulted in several arrests prior to a scheduled speech by Benjamin Netanyahu?Hillel is an organization that seeks to create a vibrant and exciting Jewish campus life by providing Jewish students with resources to conduct cultural, political, and humanitarian programs. CSU’s inflammatory attempts to portray Hillel as a hateful and violent organization merely further the difficult situation already facing Jewish students on campus. Overt anti-Semitism is increasing on campuses in Canada and around the world. As student leaders, we urge you to combat this hatred rather than advance it. The time for action is now. You must publicly apologize, and rescind the motion suspending Hillel from your campus. Based on past experiences, we have no illusions about CSU’s notions of fairness, equality, and due process. Therefore, as we appeal to you, we also call upon Rector Frederick Lowy, and the Concordia administration to reinstate Hillel by taking all necessary actions.Sincerely,Members of the OntarioJewish student community
