Letter to President Vivek Goel | Condemn The Genocide

The ongoing crisis in Palestine requires immediate attention and action. Israel has waged a war on the people of Gaza and is committing a genocide, murdering over 10,000 Palestinians, including 4,000 children. As members of the University of Waterloo community, we have identified several crucial steps that the University must take to address this pressing issue and demonstrate its commitment to justice and fairness.

  1. A Revised Statement: We demand that the University issue a revised statement that unequivocally acknowledges and condemns the ongoing Palestinian genocide in Gaza by the Israeli Regime. It is essential for our institution to stand firmly against the human rights violations and war crimes happening in Palestine. Such a statement should reflect the University of Waterloo's core values of fairness and justice.

  2. Call for a Ceasefire: We call upon the University to use its platform to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence in Gaza and the West Bank. The University must actively engage in raising awareness and mobilize the global community, including media, politicians, and governments, to take a stronger stance against the atrocities being committed in Palestine.

  3. Combat Anti-Palestinian Racism: It is imperative for the University to lead initiatives aimed at combatting the rise of anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia within our community. By endorsing and adopting the definitions outlined in the document "Anti-Palestinian Racism: Naming, Framing, and Manifestations" published by the ACLA, the University can take tangible steps towards fostering a more inclusive and tolerant environment for all its students.

  4. Sever Ties with Israeli Institutions: The University must immediately cease cooperation and sever ties with all Israeli institutions. It is unacceptable for our institution to provide any form of support to institutions that may be complicit in the war crimes and human rights violations being perpetrated by the Israeli apartheid state.

We urge the University of Waterloo to provide a timely and comprehensive response to this letter. As an educational institution, it is your responsibility to stand up against injustice and protect the well-being of students, ensuring that they do not face hate-fueled incidents during these trying times. Our collective voice is calling for action and solidarity, and we implore the University to lead by example and take a stand for justice, fairness, and human rights.