FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON - January 25, 2003 – 10:30 pm EST – After much deliberation and debate, York University announced its approval on Friday for a talk to be given by Daniel Pipes, Director of the Middle East Forum.
Dr. Pipes (www.danielpipes.org) was originally scheduled to speak at the Underground, a local campus restaurant and hall located in the Student Centre, but threats to safety and security led the Centre’s management to withdraw from hosting the program.
The organizers hope that the rescheduled lecture will be thought provoking and intellectually stimulating. “Bringing Pipes to campus will offer students an opportunity to hear an expert on Middle East issues,” says Jordie Saperia, a 2nd year student and Arts & Culture Coordinator of the Jewish Student Federation, a constituent organization of Jewish Campus Services of Greater Toronto.
A respected academic and journalist, Pipes will deliver his lecture entitled “Barriers to Peace” early next week. “It’s very positive for the University to let him speak. They’ve made a decision that will further perpetuate freedom of speech on campus,” says Daniel Held, a 3rd year student and Israel Affairs Coordinator for the Jewish Student Federation.
The revised program includes increased security and the presence of Toronto Police. “Security and safety are always amongst our primary concerns,” notes Michael Ferman, a 1st year student and Chair of Israel Fest 2003.
The lecture will take place at York University on Tuesday between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. The exact location has yet to be determined, and details will be forthcoming once they are available.
For more information contact:
Seth Winberg, Education Chair
Jewish Student Federation: The Centre for Jewish Life on Campus
442 Student Centre, York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Shayna Allen, Director
Jewish Student Federation: The Centre for Jewish Life on Campus
442 Student Centre, York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M3J 1P3