Hold York Federation of Students Accountable

Is this what we expect of a student government executive?

This is what Somar Abuaziza, the incoming President, York Federation of Students, posted yesterday on social media.

Like you, I am horrified at this open glorification of terrorism.

The firebombing of Israeli public transportation should never be celebrated as a “gift”, let alone by a student who has the responsibility of serving their broader campus community. York University is home to one of the largest Jewish student populations in Canada, including a significant number of Israelis and Israeli-Canadians, making this even more egregious.

Let’s be clear about this: Abuaziza is celebrating acts of terrorist violence – violence meant to murder innocent civilians – on one of the most painful days for Jews over the past eighteen months.

This is not just unacceptable behaviour for a community leader, but a betrayal of basic norms of human decency.

Moreover, this is not the first time Abuaziza has engaged in this kind of behaviour.

During her campaign for President, her campaign posters featured her wearing a piece of jewelry that evokes strong associations with violence, terrorism, and antisemitism.

When 86% of surveyed Jewish students say they are concerned about antisemitism on their campus, this is one of the more horrific reasons why.

We demand better for our community. Please join me in standing alongside Jewish and Israeli students at York by calling on Abuaziza to resign immediately. Because of her repeated disdain for the Jews and Israelis, she clearly is not fit to serve the York student body.

Please add your name below to the growing list of concerned community members.