Sunday, March 23, 2014

Anti-Semitic Grafitti found in University of British Columbia dorm.

Days after Israeli Apartheid Week, anti-Semitic graffiti was found  in University of British Columbia dorm. Were these incidents related?  And who doesn't want you asking that question?

From the school paper, the Ubyssey:
A swastika with the caption “Heil Hitler” was discovered in Nootka House in Totem Park last Sunday evening.

According to Kyle Lethbridge, residence life manager for Totem Park North, the graffiti, which was written on the chalkboard in the first-floor house lounge, was promptly removed by a residence student leader.

“We take this incident very seriously and are following up as much as we can given the circumstances,” said Lethbridge. He said that since the graffiti was cleaned up before any photos were taken, the RCMP will not be able to investigate. However, Lethbridge said he has been in contact with the RCMP on how to deal with the incident.
Noah Kussin, an international student from Los Angeles and Jewish resident of the complex was  said the discovery  “makes you feel unsafe in your own home”

“I know a lot of other international students — you’re coming to a new country, we’re here, we want to be included, we want to be a part of everything. And to see someone do something that basically says you are not allowed here, we do not want you here, get out, whether they think it’s a joke or something that they can just do — it’s a jarring experience and it really makes you feel unsafe,” said Kussen.
The anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered 2 days after Israeli apartheid Week on campus, an event that many feel moves well beyond legitimate criticism of Israel and demonizes not just Israelis, but Jews as well, by denying their heritage and their legitimacy in their ancient homeland.  Jewish and Israeli students have argued that Israeli Apartheid week contributes to an uncomfortable campus climate for them.

Interestingly, an earlier version of this story at Ubyssey contained that fact, but this very relevant fact was removed.


Did  pressure from anti-Israel groups contribute to this decision?

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