SAIA activist is also NDP representative at York University

Written by Atara Beck

Tuesday, 03 March 2009

TORONTO – Jesse Zimmerman, membership and outreach chair for the NDP at York University, told the Jewish Tribune that his “activism with SAIA [Students Against Israeli Apartheid] is done with no official capacity.” Nevertheless, a number of students at York University have expressed confusion regarding NDP policy on the Middle East because of its campus representative. Zimmerman has been one of the most vocal and passionate activists against the Jewish state. He can be seen on YouTube videos at anti-Israel rallies, including some that are posted on his own blog, screaming slogans such as “Zionism is an embarrassment,” and “Shame on the Zionists.” One film reveals him as one of the leading protesters surrounding the Hillel office at York recently, where police had to accompany the Jewish students that were under siege off the premises. His personal blog – the main focus of its home page at present is a feature titled, “Israeli Apartheid Week Article. Let It Begin!” –includes a plethora of material demonizing Israel and advocating Sid Ryan’s campaign for a boycott of Israeli universities, as well as support for the NDP and photographs of himself with federal NDP leader Jack Layton and Ontario NDP leader Howard Hampton. The NDP website is listed along with that of George Galloway, notoriously anti-Israel British MP, as among his favourites. According to Nammi Poorooshasb, Layton’s director of communications, “the opinions expressed by Mr. Zimmerman or other participants are their own and do not represent the views of Canada's New Democrats. The New Democratic Party is committed to its longstanding policy of seeking a two-state solution, which ensures Israelis and Palestinians can live safely, side by side, in independent states with secure borders.” Following the Jewish Tribune’s query to the NDP, several opinions were removed from Zimmerman’s blog, which states they were “taken down due to too many fascist bloggers.”

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 March 2009 )