The executive committee of the graduate student union at the University of Toronto, a public school, called for “compassion and flexibility to Iranian and other affected students” in a statement about the “Iran-Israel conflict.”
“We write with deep concern and solidarity regarding the escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel and the profound impact it is having on our student community,” the union stated on Monday, “particularly our Iranian students, who have reached out to us seeking support during this crisis.”
“To our Iranian students and all those affected by this crisis: we see you, we hear you and we stand with you during this incredibly difficult time,” it stated. It added that it has heard “primarily” from Iranian students with concerns but recognizes “that students from various backgrounds, including Israeli students, may be experiencing distress related to this conflict.”
“Your courage in continuing your academic work while facing such personal turmoil is a testament to your resilience, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle,” it said.
David Jacobs, a radiologist who is a lieutenant governor in council member of the university’s Governing Council, responded on social media to the union’s use of the phrase “Iranian and other affected students.”
“The word you are looking for is ‘Israeli,’” he wrote. “As in, ‘…extend compassion and flexibility to Iranian and Israeli students…’ You’re welcome.”