Petition started by: Guelph Palestinian Student Association (GPSA)
Target: University of Guelph Administration

Description
On November 5th, the University of Guelph is allowing an event titled “Voices of IDF,” organized by Students Supporting Israel (SSI), featuring two Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers.

The IDF has been directly responsible for ongoing atrocities in Gaza, including the mass killing of civilians, forced displacement, and the destruction of hospitals, homes, and schools. Both the United Nations and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have confirmed credible evidence that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.

A similar SSI event featuring IDF soldiers was cancelled by University administration only months ago after widespread outcry and concern for student safety. SSI’s international organization is run by IDF soldiers and serves as a propaganda network aimed at normalizing and justifying Israel’s military violence.

Allowing this event to go forward endangers students, retraumatizes those whose families are directly impacted by Israel’s actions, and fosters anti-Palestinian racism. This decision is deeply harmful to the university community and contradicts its stated values of inclusion, human rights, and safety for all.

The University of Guelph must stand for education, empathy, and justice, not for the glorification of war crimes or the promotion of a foreign military’s agenda.

We call on the University of Guelph Administration to:

1. Cancel the “Voices of IDF” event immediately.
2. Publicly distance the University from Students Supporting Israel (SSI).
3. Review and revoke any affiliation or accreditation of SSI through university-recognized structures such as the Multifaith Resource Team.
4. Reaffirm the University’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment free from militarized propaganda.

Why this matters
The University of Guelph should be a sanctuary for truth, learning, and compassion, not a venue for military representatives to spread propaganda while Palestinians endure genocide. Students should not have to fear for their safety or be forced to relive trauma on their own campus.

By signing this petition, you are demanding that the university stand on the right side of history and uphold its duty to protect all members of its community.

 
Next Steps
Once we reach our goal, the Guelph Palestinian Student Association (GPSA) will deliver this petition and its signatures directly to the University administration and President. We will continue to advocate for justice and accountability on campus until this event is cancelled and meaningful action is taken.

 
Take One More Step After Signing
Please also email the University directly to make your voice heard:

Email: president@uoguelph.ca, studentaffairs@uoguelph.ca

Subject: Cancel the “Voices of IDF” event

Message:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the upcoming “Voices of IDF” event at the University of Guelph. Hosting representatives of the Israeli military while they are committing genocide and war crimes in Gaza undermines the university’s values of inclusion, peace, and human rights. I urge the administration to cancel this event immediately and reaffirm its commitment to creating a safe and compassionate campus for all.
 
Genocide has no place at the University of Guelph.
Together, we can make our campus a place where truth and empathy prevail over militarized propaganda and oppression.