University of Toronto Event With PFLP Terrorist Canceled After Mounting Pressure
Yet the university administration has still not responded to a request for comment
Three University of Toronto student groups and the Watermelon Coalition have canceled a planned event featuring Shadi Shurafa, a convicted member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorist organization, following mounting pressure and media coverage, including by Jewish Onliner.
However, the university has not provided any comment or responded to Jewish Onliner’s direct questions about the event, leaving key concerns about campus policies, student safety, and university funding unanswered.
Shurafa’s Invitation and the University’s Silence
The event, organized by student groups including the University of Toronto Muslim Student Association (UTMSA), UofT Occupy for Palestine, and Tkaronto Students in Solidarity with Palestine, was originally scheduled for January 30, 2025. It was set to feature Shurafa, who served over a decade in Israeli prison for his involvement in a foiled bomb attack on a Jerusalem bus during the Second Intifada. During his incarceration, he reportedly developed a close friendship with now-deceased Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
In response to public backlash, the event was quietly canceled—but rather than addressing concerns directly, the university remained silent, refusing to answer a series of questions from Jewish Onliner, including:
What measures, if any, was the university implementing to ensure the safety and security of students and attendees?
Does hosting this event align with the University of Toronto’s policies on hate speech, discrimination, and campus inclusivity?
Are any of the organizing groups officially recognized student organizations at UofT? If so, does the university provide them with financial support or resources?
Has the university allocated any funding or in-kind resources to facilitate this event?
Will any disciplinary action be taken against the organizers for hosting a speaker affiliated with a designated terrorist organization?
Jewish groups chimed in once the updated news broke. “Allowing an unrepentant member of a listed terrorist organization to spread propaganda on campus would have compromised the safety and well-being of students,” B’nai Brith Canada posted on X following the announcement. “We commend the university for taking appropriate action to prevent this dangerous platforming of extremism.”
Michelle Stock, Vice President, Ontario, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), told Jewish Onliner that:
“We are glad the event is not moving forward as planned but, that these groups – particularly a student group associated with the University of Toronto – thought it was reasonable to provide a platform for and celebrate a convicted terrorist without repercussions is both troubling and unacceptable. What it isn’t though, is surprising.
After a year and a half of authorities doing nothing other than offering empty words of condemnation to stop the rising tide of antisemitism that has infected our campuses, workplaces, and our streets, it is not unimaginable that they thought they could get away with it.
Failing to hold those who promote hatred accountable has sent a dangerous message—that antisemitism is tolerated in Canada. This cannot be allowed to stand. It’s long past time for authorities to take meaningful action and ban the glorification of terror.”
Event Organizers Announce a New Speaker
Following the event’s cancellation, one of the organizers sent an email to registrants stating:
“We will unfortunately not be able to conduct The Prisoners of Palestine event as it was originally planned…. Tomorrow’s event will be shifted to be fully remote and will consist of a discussion with a Palestinian researcher whose research focuses on the Israeli carceral system.”
It is unclear whether this new speaker has any affiliations of concern or whether any oversight was applied to the event's revision.
Larger Implications: Where Does U of T Stand?
The University of Toronto’s lack of transparency raises serious concerns about its handling of controversial speakers and events. It remains unclear whether this event was officially sanctioned by the university or whether the administration played any role in its cancellation. What is clear, however, is that the university has refused to provide answers to these key questions.
The administration’s refusal to publicly clarify its position leaves students, faculty, and the broader community in the dark.
If U of T is allowing or disallowing certain speakers or events—whether on campus or off—it owes the public a clear and transparent explanation of its policies rather than avoiding scrutiny through silence.