Is it possible for someone not study in University of Alberta to attend the event?

Richard L. Judd, Ph.D.
First Vice Chair
The International Council for Middle East Studies
Washington, DC

Last evening I attended the opening night event of Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) at the University of Alberta. Prior to the presentation by Huwaida Arraf, an international human rights lawyer, the MC clearly stated that anti-Semitism, Islamaphobia and other rascist remarks wouldn’t be tolerated.

Huwaida Arraf presented her experiences as a founding member of the International Solidarity Movement which is focused on helping to free Palestinians from their unlawful military occupation and current blockade in Gaza. In particular she spoke at length of the effects of the Israeli blockade which has been a humanitarian crisis affecting the lives of all, but especially children and pregnant women. This blockade is unlawful and has been condemned by many groups around the world.

During this presentation I wondered if you had ever attended any of these events when you were the Dean of Arts at UofA. Of course if you had, you would have discovered as I have, that these speakers, Huwaida Arraf, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huwaida_Arraf), or documentaries on B’ilin (B’ilin (http://www.bilin-village.org/english/videos/Video-Documentary-film-Bilin-village-at-the-foot-of-the-wall-extracts) offer excellent opportunities to learn more about the situation that Palestinians face in their daily lives.

What I have learned first hand at these events was never available through our media. CanWest who controlled so much of the media in our country was known for its pro Israel stance and of course the strength of the pro Israel lobby has influenced Harper’s foreign policy. As a citizen who cares about human rights and justice I cannot be blind to the suffering of Palestinians and being called racist or anti-Semitic for attending Israeli Apartheid Week is both vitriolic nonsense and opportunistic.

I strongly support the comments made by Nick Day as a voice that supports reason, academic freedom and objectivity. Events such as IAW challenge all of us to question our assumptions, beliefs and values…that is a true learning event. I should add that I am not a student but a 62 year old who eagerly attends events at the University of Alberta whenever I can and thank my lucky stars to be living in a city that has a university.

Finally, when leaders like Michael Ignatieff and you clearly take sides in this situation, you are only confirming that political lobbying by stronger forces prevails. Yes, Jewish students and the pro Israel lobby clearly won the day and you have made some students winners and other losers. In our diverse and multicultural society we need to have a balanced outlook, ensuring an inclusive society where all citizens feel equal and respected.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my concerns with you.