McGill University is closing its campus in Montreal, Quebec, in an effort to disseminate anti-Israel activists' plans for a protest, a decision Jewish groups have criticized as despicable.
Pro-Palestinian activists have disrupted the university's operations, leading to classes being canceled on October 7, the anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas militants.
“Every other day, there's some sort of tension going on. It's creating a hostile situation.”
in statement On Wednesday, university officials said non-essential in-person classes should be held online and no one other than students, faculty, staff or other employees will be allowed on campus.
During this time of heightened tension and mourning, events are being planned that invite significant numbers of people from outside the McGill community to gather on or around campus. There have been a number of peaceful protests and commemorations at the university in recent months. Unfortunately, incidents have occurred on campus that are beyond the scope of the law and McGill University's policies and that are upsetting, disrupting access to study and work spaces, and causing damage to property.
The statement further said there was no known threat to students at the time.
Officials said, “As the potential for disruption increases, we will restrict access to campus this week in order to prioritize the stable continuation of important academic activities.''
monday video showed Anti-Israel protesters tear up new sod installed on the campus lawn after an encampment destroyed much of the lawn in an earlier protest.
Some students said the campus was unsafe, while Jewish groups criticized the university for what they saw as a cowardly decision.
“It's kind of tense every other day. It's creating a hostile situation. So, yeah, it's not the best feeling,” one student said. said CTV News.
“This is just like an attempt to appease a domestic terrorist club.” answered Jewish activist Eyal Yakoby on social media.
“I find that to be total cowardice, absolute cowardice,” responded Henry Topas of B'nai B'rith Canada. “Mr. McGill, Mr. Concordia, Mr. Valérie Plante, and the city of Montreal must say that they will not tolerate hatred, anti-Semitism, and the glorification of the atrocities committed a year ago. .”
Anti-Israel protester Hanan Zakari also condemned the university's decision.
“I think our demands on the university are very clear: By closing the campus, McGill is insisting on deploying private mercenaries in the same way it has been doing to students over the summer. “I think the university itself is creating a campus of fear,” Zakari said.
“October 7th will see demonstrations not only in North America but around the world. This day represents a very important day for colonized peoples everywhere,” he added. .
According to a report from CBC News, YouTube documentation Some of the protests at McGill University.
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