Western University Incident Demands Urgent Action on Campus Antisemitism

From the Desk of Joseph Neuberger, Neuberger & Partners LLP

Recent revelations emerging from Western University are deeply troubling. Online chat groups connected to pro-Palestinian activism at the university were found to contain disturbing antisemitic content, far beyond the bounds of legitimate protest or political discourse.

According to reports, group members shared messages that glorified Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust, provided tips on how to conceal knives at rallies, and discussed targeting Jewish students. Others advised members to hide antisemitic intent by replacing the word “Jew” with “Zionist” to evade accountability.

These messages are not political speech. They represent open hatred, incitement, and potentially criminal behaviour. What is equally concerning is the university’s response. Jewish students who bravely infiltrated these groups and presented detailed, timestamped evidence were told that no action would be taken unless they publicly revealed their identities, a move that would leave them vulnerable to further harassment or worse.

This is unacceptable. Universities have an obligation to protect their students, not to sideline their concerns or place them at greater risk.

A Legal Line Has Been Crossed

As a criminal defence lawyer and advocate for civil rights, I understand the delicate balance between freedom of expression and public safety. But in this case, a line has been crossed. Glorifying genocide, sharing instructions for concealing weapons, and threatening targeted violence fall squarely within the scope of potential Criminal Code violations, including:

• Advocacy of genocide
• Wilful promotion of hatred
• Public incitement of violence

These are not abstract legal theories. They are real protections designed for moments exactly like this.

What Needs to Happen Now

Neuberger & Partners LLP is calling for three immediate steps:

1. A police investigation: The content of these chats must be reviewed as potential criminal threats. Law enforcement is equipped to assess whether charges are warranted under Canadian hate crime statutes.
2. Oversight by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities: Western University, as a publicly funded institution, has a responsibility to ensure the safety of all students. The Ministry must step in to review the university’s response and demand institutional accountability.
3. Protection for whistleblowing students: Those who came forward with evidence should not be penalized or exposed. Their safety and anonymity must be guaranteed throughout any investigation or legal process.

A Pattern Too Familiar

This is not an isolated incident. Across Canada, we are seeing a troubling rise in campus antisemitism, often cloaked in political messaging. The line between protest and hate is not always clear, but in this case, it is.

When threats of violence and incitement are tolerated or brushed aside, we create an environment that emboldens perpetrators and isolates Jewish students. That is not just morally wrong, it is a breach of institutional and legal obligations.

Why This Moment Matters

History has shown time and again that antisemitism left unchecked does not fade, it escalates. We must not wait for tragedy to act.

Universities cannot treat threats of violence as mere disciplinary issues, and government cannot assume institutions will regulate themselves. This moment requires leadership, from police, from the Ministry, and from university administration.

Failure to act sends a dangerous message: that Jewish safety is negotiable. That is not a message Canada can afford to send.

Our Firm’s Commitment

At Neuberger & Partners, we stand with the students who brought these messages to light. We will continue to speak out against hate in all forms and offer our legal knowledge and voice in support of those targeted by it.

Antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue. It is a Canadian issue. One that demands vigilance, courage, and above all, action.