“Anti-Zionist vibes only” – those who choose to divide and conquer

An Indigenous student out of York is receiving pushback for an antisemitic t-shirt, worn on Jewish Holocaust Memorial Day. The incident took place at the opening ceremony for York’s annual multicultural week.

While the student’s identity is not yet known, the Aboriginal Students’ Association at York (ASAY) condemned the apparel of their executive member. They released the following statement, regarding the incident:

On behalf of ASAY and the Indigenous community, we wish to extend our sincerest apology for the impact our organization’s participation has had in recent events.

Yesterday, Monday, January 27, 2020, the York Federation of Students (YFS) held an opening ceremony to commemorate the annual multicultural week. It was brought to our attention that one of our executive members made an independent decision which resulted in negatively impacting all student groups involved during this event. This was a personal statement that had a negative and far-reaching impact on the York Community. Our organization is dedicated to peace, inclusivity and sovereignty.

We represent and respect our community as a whole and as individuals. As student leaders, we are advocates of partnership, communication and education. This event was one of pride and celebration, where everyone should feel welcomed. Immediate remediation measures are being taken under consultation with various groups, faculty and community members. 

We look forward to seeing you all at future events on campus! 

Chi Miigwetch 

ASAY Executive Members

With Canada’s Indigenous peoples facing a strikingly similar history of oppression from colonialism, the incident proved equally shocking and disturbing.

Canada’s Indigenous Peoples have faced the ugly residue of colonialism that amounted to a genocide. Segregation by Residential Schools and Indian Hospitals enacted the solution to the perceived “Indian Problem,” with many of its inhabitants enduring all forms of abuse and trauma. Even today, the families of some prior students and patients remain unaware of their unmarked graves. Thus, closure is a luxury many are not privy to.

The Jewish people were persecuted by the Germans as part of the “Jewish Solution,” which facilitated the events of the Holocaust. In today’s society, supporters of the Islamic Republic have been vocal about the extermination of Israel, which is shared by Islamist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

With a history of antisemitism, York is home to far-left ideologues that undermine Jewish self-determination. Given the government’s attempts to undermine Indigenous self-determination, notably, through White Paper, the shirt “Anti-Zionist vibes only” is akin to rejecting Indigenous self-determination on their traditional lands.

Through Zionism, the Jewish right to self-determination manifested, as the indigenous people of Judea – the land of Israel. Any endorsement of anti-Zionism is a rejection of their self-determination, wherein a genocidal mindset is cultivated.

Likening Israel to a colonialist project is antisemitic, also, as what country is Israel, a colony of? Using an Indigenous woman as a shield for the far-left’s bad ideas is either incredibly arrogant, desperate or both. Personally, it’s an affront to the struggles of our forefathers and foremothers.