eblasts

1. Statement from Meric Gertler, University of Toronto President about student protest encampment on campus

Yesterday,  Meric Gertler, President  of the University of Toronto, the largest university in Canada, issued a statement in response to the demands made by the student encampments at the St. George Campus of the university.  Here is an excerpt from that statement - and here is the full statement.  (Gertler's mother, born in Czechoslovakia, was a Holocaust survivor.)

"The University will not terminate any partnerships with Israeli universities or attempt to curtail scholars’ academic freedom in any way. The University rejects calls for cutting ties with international partner institutions or engaging in academic boycotts because these actions would be at odds with our commitment to academic freedom, the unfettered global circulation of people and ideas, and advancing understanding by fostering collaboration and dialogue.”

2. My Father Is a Hostage in Gaza. Palestinians Are Not My Enemy – Blind     Hate Is

By Sharone Lifschitz, a London-based filmmaker originally from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her parents were kidnapped on October 7. Read full article in Haaretz here .

3. Passing of Holocaust Survivor and Philanthropist Sigmund Rolat
Sigmund Rolat spoke at Habonim 10 years ago after the opening of Polin: The Museum of the History of Polish Jews which he was a major benefactor of.  
Click here for his moving speech at Habonim.
Inspired by his courage, Habonim member Tali Katz, 14 years old at the time, composed a song in his honor. Click here for song. 
Click here for tribute to Sigmund Rolat. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Eli Rubenstein