"I applaud students today who are engaging in contemporary issues, protesting atrocities even worse in some ways than what concerned us. I don not recall any state violence where 135 children a day are being killed by the aggressor as is the case with Israel’s bombardment of Gaza."
December 8, 2023
Dear Mr Leitner,
Thank you for your very balanced and important reporting on the actions of the HWDSB regarding the need to protect students of all stripes who are engaging in issues around the State of Israel’s stated claim of eliminating Hamas and Palestinians. When I was a student we were very active in protesting the bombings of Viet Nam and Cambodia, as well as the apartheid systems in South Africa. Yes my parents and some conservative institutions did not like our protesting and wanted to silence us. But thankfully raising our voices in effective and peaceful ways did help to turn the tide on the atrocities occurring in our name and in our day. So I applaud students today who are engaging in contemporary issues, protesting atrocities even worse in some ways than what concerned us. I don not recall any state violence where 135 children a day are being killed by the aggressor as is the case with Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
In terms of the discrimination and fear many pro-Palestinian and Muslim advocates of every age are experiencing I encourage you to read the latest report from CJPME on the more than 500 cases of racism against Palestinians in Canada https://www.cjpme.org/apr_report_2022 . With reporting like yours which works to shine light on these dark places in our communities and our schools, the world will become a better and safer place for all.
Sincerely,
William Roberts
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