|
|
September 13, 2002/Tishri 7 5762, Vol. 55, No. 3
Protests cancel Netanyahu speech
BRAM EISENTHAL
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
MONTREAL - Concordia University long has been a center of Palestinian nationalism, but the Montreal school's pro-Arab fervor reached new heights this week.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a speech at Concordia Sept. 9 after pro-Palestinian demonstrators wreaked havoc in the building.
Protesters threw chairs and other objects at police, who responded with tear gas.
By the time the smoke had cleared, the university's main lobby was littered with broken glass and chairs.
After the speech was canceled, pro-Israel activists, who police had asked to remain quietly inside the auditorium, spoke out.
"This is our school. This is not Gaza, this is not Bir-Zeit University," shouted Yoni Petel, the president of Montreal Hillel. "If tomorrow there is another riot, we will not let them take it away from us. We will stand here proudly once again."
Thomas Hecht, the Quebec chairman of the Canada-Israel Committee, was spit on and kicked while accom-panying the kipah-wearing Rabbi Mordecai Zeitz through the growing mob. Later, it was learned that many others were also attacked.
The pro-Palestinian demonstrators later argued with Netanyahu supporters.
"The leadership of the Palestinian cause in Canada has failed in its responsibility to ensure that their supporters act with restraint and respect the rights of others," the group's executive vice president, Frank Diamant, said in a statement.
Demonstrators, most of whom appeared to be of Arab origin, chanted slogans like "End the occupation now," "One, two three, four, occupation no more" "Free, free Palestine" and "Justice for Palestine."
Palestinian flags, and others with images of Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara, flew freely.
Nearby, fliers glued to building walls declared, "Benjamin Netanyahu is coming to Montreal. Let's make it clear he's not welcome." Others included a "warrant" for Netanyahu's arrest as a war criminal.
Those inside the auditorium were asked to remain until it was safe for them to leave.
Subsequent pro-Israel chanting and singing drew a rebuke from a university official, who warned this could inflame those outside.
"We won't be ashamed of who we are," one student yelled, to unanimous applause.
|
