For Immediate Release
Toronto, January 28, 2003 — Despite attempts by anti-Israel groups at York University to shut down freedom of speech, Daniel Pipes was able to address students on campus today, an outcome attributed by B’nai Brith Canada to “strong moral leadership by the university’s administration”.
Rochelle Wilner, President of B’nai Brith Canada, stated: “Pipes is no extremist. His organization, Campus Watch, has the stated mandate of respecting the freedom of speech of those it debates, while insisting on its own freedom to comment as a legitimate voice in that debate. Those that threatened to silence Pipes through violence and intimidation have no place in a Canadian university.”
Frank Dimant, Executive Vice-President of B’nai Brith Canada asserted: “The university and law enforcement authorities put forth great effort and resources in responding to the threat of violent protest. However, it is a sad day for Canada when Jewish students need that level of protection in order to be able to exercise their right to free speech. York University’s response should be a lesson to other universities on how to act when extremists try to shut down legitimate debate on campus.”
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For further comment call Rochelle Wilner at (416) 254-1010
or Frank Dimant at (416) 802-1057
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.
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