K A S H R U T . C O M_©

University of Toronto Amends Anti-Semitic BDS Motion, Makes Exception for Pro-Israel Kosher Caterers

December 4, 2021 from Israel Hayom:

"The student union at a branch of the University of Toronto said it will modify a ban on kosher food that is part of a resolution endorsing the BDS movement against Israel.

"The school’s Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) passed a resolution at its annual general meeting on Nov. 24 that forbids the school from “engaging with organizations, services or participating in events that further normalize Israeli apartheid.” It also targeted kosher-food options at the university, noting that “efforts should be made to source kosher food from organizations that do not normalize Israeli apartheid.”

"CSU issued an apology on Monday. It said that it will amend the policy to include exceptions allowing students and student groups to access kosher food on campus, reported The Star."

University of Toronto student union bans 'pro-Israel' kosher caterers

November 28, 2021 from Israel Hayom:

"The Scarborough Campus Student Union of the University of Toronto passed a motion last week pledging to exclusively order from kosher caterers who 'do not normalize Israeli apartheid.'

"Outlined in an 86-page meeting agenda, the litmus test to filter out supposed pro-Israel caterers was unclear.

"Still, Jewish students are reportedly worried about not being able to keep kosher

"Last year, the Ivy-league school Columbia University became the 44th school to approve a BDS resolution.

"In comparison, the Canadian Union of Public Employees voted overwhelmingly against a BDS resolution on Thursday.

"'Whether the SCSU likes it or not, Israel is an essential part of Jewish identity," said Daniel Koren, executive director of Hasbara Canada. "They do not have the right to tell Jewish students how to practice Judaism on campus.'

"UofT President Meric Gertler said in a statement that the school 'is opposed to all forms of discrimination, and committed to the protection of freedom of speech and academic freedom. The University was alarmed to learn about two motions passed at the Scarborough Campus Students' Union Annual General Meeting on November 24. Both motions are inconsistent with the University of Toronto's core values of freedom of speech and inclusion.''