Reinstatement of Herut Zionism's rights & privileges at York University

In November 2019, Herut Zionism ("Herut")—a pro-Israel student group at York University (Canada) dedicated to educating, students on Judaism, Zionism, and the State of Israel—organized an event featuring organization Reservists on Duty to educate the York community on Zionism and the Arab-Israeli conflict from the perspective of Israeli reservists. In the lead up to the event, Students Against Israeli Apartheid at York University ("SAIA") mobilized its protestors to appear on York's campus and protest the event. Reports surrounding the SAIA disruption made international headlines as a shocking display of aggressive intimidation, recounting how large numbers of protesters, including non-university groups, showed up at the venue, chanting loudly and threatening physical confrontations. According to these reports, some of the 600 disruptors chanted "Intifada, Intifada, go back to the ovens" at the Jewish and pro-Israel students. The intimidation and harassment were so extreme that some of these students had to be escorted off campus by police for their protection. Subsequently, in a familiar, misguided attempt to appear even- handed, York punished the victim by informing Herut that its rights and privileges as a student group were being withdrawn, effective immediately, and that any restoration of such rights and privileges would hinge on Herut engaging in "facilitated mediation" with SAIA. No clear, understandable basis for the suspension was given. LP is now providing Herut with pro bono counsel to ensure its rights and privileges are restored, that the disruptors are held accountable for their actions, and that York maintains a safe and secure campus and upholds its commitment to preventing discrimination, aggression, and threats of intimidation and harassment against Jewish and pro-Israel students, as required under Canadian human rights law.