WINDSOR, ON, (July 11, 2024) – Allied Voices for Israel (AVI) and StandWithUs Canada are deeply troubled by the recent agreement between the University of Windsor and the Windsor Liberation Zone Team. We call on the university to rescind its agreement, as it will undoubtedly cause further harm to Jewish students and their allies on campus.
The agreement, which heavily criticizes Israel and implements policies that isolate and demonize the Jewish State, is a blatant act of antisemitism cloaked in the guise of activism. Such measures represent a dangerous shift that threatens the integrity and inclusivity of our academic institutions.
The language and measures outlined in this agreement are a textbook example of the Three D’s of Antisemitism: Demonization, Double Standards, and Delegitimization.
The agreement calls for the creation of an anti-oppression website and training focused exclusively on anti-Palestinian racism while completely ignoring antisemitism. It commits to not pursue academic agreements with Israeli universities “until Palestinian self-determination is realized,” effectively isolating Israel’s academic community and validating this movement’s genocidal intent. Moreover, it endorses the UN’s baseless claims of Israel as a violator of international law, without providing a balanced view of the conflict. These actions are not just unfair—they are dangerous.
“By singling out Israel for unique and severe criticism, the University of Windsor is fostering an environment where antisemitic sentiments can thrive. This is not merely a political stance; it is a direct attack on the principles of safety, inclusivity, and open dialogue that should define our campuses,” said Daniel Koren, Founder and Executive Director of AVI. “The consequences of such bias are severe, leading to widespread discrimination, dehumanization, and marginalization of Jewish students and faculty.”
“By portraying Israel as solely responsible for the conflict, without acknowledging the complex historical and political realities, the agreement demonizes the Jewish State,” said Jesse Primerano, Executive Director of StandWithUs Canada. “It applies double standards by demanding behaviour from Israel that is not expected of any other nation, and it delegitimizes Israel by questioning its very right to exist and participate in the academic community.”
We call on the University of Windsor to immediately reconsider this agreement and ensure that their policies do not single out or unfairly target any group. It is crucial that we stand resolutely against antisemitism and hatred in all its forms and uphold the values of respect, equity, and justice on our campuses.
