University of Toronto criticized over October 7 mourning event — Jerusalem Post

In Canada, the University of Toronto has faced criticism over a student mourning event titled “Honoring Our Martyrs,” scheduled for October 7 at Sidney Smith Hall. The event announcement calls on participants to honor people who have died in Gaza over the past three years. The Jerusalem Post reports.

The event is being promoted by several student and activist groups. The announcement also refers to three years of genocide. Public figures and organizations criticized holding the event on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, considering the choice of date provocative and offensive.

Criticism of the date and wording

National security expert and senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute Casey Babb said that the event announcement had outraged many members of the Jewish community. He also expressed the view that rhetoric which, in his opinion, allows for the glorification of terrorism is linked to risks of violence.

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The Network of Engaged Canadian Academics stated that students have the right to freedom of expression, to hold rallies and memorial events. At the same time, the organization stressed that universities must ensure the dignity and safety of all students and prevent harassment, discrimination, intimidation, hatred, or violence. NECA also called for assessing whether the event could become a platform for antisemitism, threats, or glorification of the October 7 attacks.

A film screening is also planned

A screening of Adi Kallai’s documentary The Gaza Ghetto Uprising is scheduled for October 6 at the SBA Centre in the UTSU Student Commons. It is being organized by several student groups. Canadian organization Honest Reporting Canada separately drew attention to this event.

A University of Toronto representative said that the administration is aware of events planned on and near its campuses, including on city streets outside the institution’s jurisdiction. According to the representative, campus security assesses all events known to the administration and, where necessary, cooperates with municipal police. The university said it would respond to possible violations of its own rules or Canadian law.