McMaster University said CUPE Local 3906 should not have praised Hamas during its ongoing conflict with Israel. .“I've written a lot of critical things about @McMasterU, but this is a great message that the university president just put out, denouncing the insane terror-supporting comments from @cupe_3906,” tweeted Quillette associate editor Jonathan Kay on Wednesday. .CUPE Local 3906 said on Saturday people should show support to Hamas during the recent conflict in Israel because it is a reasonable cause. .READ MORE: Hamilton union voices support for Hamas during Israeli attack.“Palestine is rising, long live the resistance,” it said. .It was commenting on a group of Palestinians tearing down a border fence with a bulldozer. .McMaster executives David Farrar, Susan Tighe, Andy Knights and Paul O’Byrne said while free speech must thrive in universities, “there is no room for hate of any kind at McMaster.” .“To that end, we abhor the comments made by CUPE Local 3906,” said the executives. .“While this union, which represents teaching assistants, research assistants in lieu, sessional faculty and postdoctoral fellows, is an independent group with the right to express its views, the university disagrees with any statement condoning violence.” .They said the shock of the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israelis this past weekend continues to be felt around the world and in the community. Many people in the university are reeling from the attack. .As an institution of learning, they encouraged students, faculty and staff to understand the complex events and what they mean for Israelis and Palestinians, the Middle East and the world. .The executives called this “a complex situation, and we are dedicated to maintaining the principles and values of the university as events unfold.” .“Please know how much your support and friendship means to the McMaster community,” they said.
