By: Nathaly Schneider

This week, students across Ontario experienced a rollercoaster of ups and downs.

The week started off with a panel discussion at the University of Toronto titled “Exposing Israeli Apartheid and the Violations of Palestinian Rights.  As is evident by the title, this was a very open minded and unbiased event. NOT! The panel featured members of such groups as Queens Against Israeli Apartheid, Students against Israeli Apartheid and the now infamous Jenny Peto of the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid.  This who’s who of anti-Israel activists used the podium to project their anti-Israel claims and preach their ignorant message to an all too eager choir. For a more in depth recount of this event, I recommend Jonathan Kay reporting from University of Toronto: Among the Israel-haters.

In more positive news, Mordechai Kedar spoke at York University this week on the topic of Islamic Radicalism.  Kedar, a professor of Arabic studies at Bar Ilan University, spoke to a crowd of over 30 students on the intricacies of Arab nationalism and touched on why the situation in the Middle East is much more complicated than meets the eye.

The biggest news this week was Sgt. Benjamin Anthony’s tour of several Ontario campuses.  Sgt. Anthony toured several campuses this week including the University of Waterloo and the University of Western Ontario. Brian Shaposhnik, Vice President of Hillel Waterloo felt that the event went very well.  The room was at capacity with an audience of mixed reactions, 50% who support Israel, and 50% who don’t.  After the speech, many students from both sides of the spectrum took the opportunity to ask Sgt. Anthony hard-hitting questions, which he responded to articulately and honestly.

While those who attended the Waterloo event left feeling enlightened and inspired, the same cannot be said for the Western speaking engagement. Pro-Israel students at the University of Western Ontario were greeted by about 250 protesters at the former IDF soldier’s speaking event.  Anti-Israel students and community members hijacked the event leaving many people who wanted to hear the lecture out in the cold.  Hasbara Fellow Rebecca Silverhart said that many students were meant to feel intimated.  Mid-way through the speech, anti-Israel attendees caused a minor scene which disrupted the lecture.  Those members of the audiences were given the option of either leaving the room or staying for the remainder of the lecture when they would have a chance to address their issues and ask questions at their leisure.  Thankfully, those who decided to leave made some much-needed space available for the disappointed crowd outside.

Want to hear what all the fuss is about for yourself?

DON’T MISS Sgt. Benjamin Anthony at York University TODAY at 5:00pm (Stedman Lecture Hall A).  This event is for York U students; York U cards will be checked at the door.