Oligarch Bronfman Blockades York U Film Students Over 'Palestinian Roots'

27 posts / 0 new

Mon, 2016-02-08 01:26

NDPP

'It's Just Pure Hate': Paul Bronfman On Why He Withdrew Support To York U Over Painting

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/its-just-pure-hate-paul-bronfma...

"It's not artistry, it's just pure hate,' Bronfman told the National Post. 'This poster is more than a piece of art - it is propaganda, and a clear call to murder,' wrote Avi Benolo, president of the Simon Wiesenthal Center For Holocaust Studies..."

Canadian Jewish News CJN): Bronfman Pulls Support From York Over Mural

http://www.cjnews.com/news/canada/bronfman-pulls-support-from-york-over-...

"Media Mogul Paul Bronfman, a major player in Canada's entertainment industry has withdrawn his support for York University's film and creative programs over a controversial mural hanging in the university's student centre.

'As a Canadian, never mind as a Jew, the fact the administration would allow this piece of garbage to be displayed in a student lounge...This is something concrete I could point to and say 'Take that down or you'll lose our support,' Bronfman told CJN

The painting in question, entitled 'Palestinian Roots', was a winner in a student art contest and has hung in the student centre since 2013. It depicts a man holding rocks looking at a field and a bulldozer. On his back is a Palestinian flag and a map of Israel. Underneath the painting are the words, 'justice' and 'peace' in several languages.

The painting has been the subject of controversy sicne it was first chosen, and Jewish student groups have complained to the administration about it, arguing the painting promotes violence toward Israel.

The Centre For Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) concurs that the painting should have come down long ago. 'It is unfortunate that the irresponsible decision of the Student Centre has put film students at York at a tremendous disadvantage, as they will no longer benefit from the multiple resources contributed by this generous donor,' added Joel Reitman, CIJA's GTA co-chair."

Mon, 2016-02-08 01:58

NDPP

Support Israel Now!: An Open Letter From Paul Bronfman

http://www.neveragaincanada.ca/an-open-letter-from-paul-bronfman-to-york...

"I think if they really care about the issue of hate propaganda and antisemitism they would do the right thing and take the mural down..."

Mon, 2016-02-08 04:40

NDPP

Pro-Palestinian Mural Causes Deep Divisions at York University (audio)

http://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-wednesday-edition-1.34...

"One of Canada's richest men is yanking his support for York University over a painting. The painting is titled 'Palestinian Roots'. But Paul Bronfman has another term for it.

The entertainment magnate says the mural is violent propaganda. And now he's put a stop to a series of programs that benefitted York's Cinema and Media Arts department.

Mon, 2016-02-08 09:15

6079_Smith_W

He didn't blockade anything. He yanked funding. And oligarch?

But his objection to the painting is ridiculous.

Something about a picture of the territory with no borders on it? Well if he is all about respecting borders why doesn't he object to the bulldozer in the picture which is on the wrong side, and doing a lot more damage than a piece of paper?

Mon, 2016-02-08 10:09

voice of the damned

6079_Smith_W wrote:

He didn't blockade anything. He yanked funding. And oligarch?

But his objection to the painting is ridiculous.

Something about a picture of the territory with no borders on it? Well if he is all about respecting borders why doesn't he object to the bulldozer in the picture which is on the wrong side, and doing a lot more damage than a piece of paper?

Yeah, he's basically doing what I think most of us would want donors to do if a school were hosting images that we found objectionable.

That said, I agree his objections are stupid. But he's not obligated to support York U, any more than he's obligated to support babble or Free Dominion.

Mon, 2016-02-08 11:20

iyraste1313

But he's not obligated to support York U.....

...can´t you see what´s going on? The state is abandonning its responsibilities to higher education by encouraging privatization...at a price.....no truth, no freedom of enquiry!

Is this his standards for all his media business?

Is this not a fundamental violation of students and professors to learn in an environment guaranteed by the constitution?

No! He must be challenged! No artist should contract to his media...no university should agree to be funded by his bigotted intolerance!

Is there anything in that picture that isn´t true?

Is not he one of the fundamental promotors and therefore complict in Israeli zionist crimes against humanity...and ought to be rotting in prison?

I would think that jews of Canada should rise up and say...not in our name!

Mon, 2016-02-08 12:09

6079_Smith_W

Bronfman is in the booze business.

Mon, 2016-02-08 12:57

voice of the damned

iyraste1313 wrote:

But he's not obligated to support York U.....

...can´t you see what´s going on? The state is abandonning its responsibilities to higher education by encouraging privatization...at a price.....no truth, no freedom of enquiry!

Is this his standards for all his media business?

Is this not a fundamental violation of students and professors to learn in an environment guaranteed by the constitution?

I don't see how the constitution comes into it. That document, as far as I know, says nothing about the obligation of anyone to donate money to a university.

And if it's government funding you mean, well, in the absence of a social-charter, I don't think that's guaranteed either, is it? At least, not any particular amount of funding.

But, by all means, yes, artists and others certainly have the right to refuse any commissions or donations from Bronfman.

Mon, 2016-02-08 13:04

quizzical

iyraste1313 wrote:
...can´t you see what´s going on? The state is abandonning its responsibilities to higher education by encouraging privatization...at a price.....

i don't really know anything about who's who, or what's what in this thread but i believe completely 'the state', at all levels and jurisdictions, is encouraging privatization of public education from K to all PS levels.

if the BC Libs get in again next year public education will be gone by their term's end and it'll be a mix of private providers contracting out for government money.

Mon, 2016-02-08 14:34

#10

NDPP

Let him make Alliyah to his beloved Apartheid terror state Israel, where his ugly, arrogant Zionist ass clearly belongs. Free Palestine! Down Israel!

Mon, 2016-02-08 14:38

#11

Mr. Magoo

When I was a photography student at Ryerson, various photographic companies -- Henry's, Vistek, sometimes camera manufacturers like Canon or Nikon -- would offer lower prices on materials and equipment to students, and if I'm not mistaken, that was the case for the film students as well. It was kind of half charity/half marketing. Students got cheaper stuff, and the companies of course hoped to secure some lifelong customers after graduation. It would be a bit of a stretch to call it "privatization" -- it had more in common with the local sub shop's student discount than with a private entity taking over the core responsibilities of the university.

Tue, 2016-02-09 02:02

#12

quizzical

you'd call it a public private partnership magoo.

i'm talking out right privatization. where a privately owned educational company bids on the contract to provide education to students not public employee teachers.

Tue, 2016-02-09 02:20

#13

NDPP

Palestinian Roots May Arouse Anger, But That's the Point: DiManno

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/01/30/palestinian-roots-may-arouse-...

"Art doesn't have to explain itself. Or defend itself. Or convince that it's art in the eye's beholder.

By any definition Palestinian Roots is artwork. Certainly the painting, which depicts a male figure wearing a keffiyah emblazoned with the map of a borderless Israel and holding two stones behind his back as he gazes upon what is presumably a Jewish settlement under construction is provocative.

That, too, is often a function of art - to make the viewer angry, feel something...

The bottom line is that no donor should be permitted to bully an academic institution into submission.

Paul Bronfman is far past his idiot years. He should know better."

How York University Should Respond To A Zionist Donor's Blackmail

http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/steven-salaita/how-york-university-s...

In a recent response to the Bronfman controversy, Professor Steven Salaita, who recently won a lengthy legal battle with the University of Illinois over his tweets critical of the Israeli assault against Gaza in 2014 - offered a suggestion for how the York Administration should respond to Bronfman's blackmail:

'Succumbing to your demand would demean our community and devalue the tenets of higher education. Our university doesn't exist to cosset the violent imperatives of impertinent elites born into wealth. We aren't willing to put your ethnocratic fetish above the well-being of your student body.

So, please, pull your support until such time that it becomes something other than a toxic influence on a space devoted to debate and learning.

Based on our interactions with you, we suspect that your hysteria will increase in direct proportion to the reduction of your authority.

Palestine will one day be free. We recommend developing your emotional maturity so that you might cope more productively when that glorious moment arrives."

The Emperor Has No Clothes

http://www.intifada-palestine.com/2016/01/the-emperor-has-no-clothes-the...

"...Few people can actually claim not to know what Israel is doing. It's time to call out loud and clear that all Israeli settlements everywhere are illegal. And just as in the tale 'The Emperor's New Clothes, the emperor had no clothes, Israel too has no legitimacy."

Free Palestine!

Tue, 2016-02-09 10:56

#14

iyraste1313

Bronfman is in the booze business......

maybe it´s time to a serious consideration of Time Warner, its publications such as Time and People spewing such bs that has so successfully warped for generations the minds and values of the North American culture...all of course under the control of the Bronfman Empire, dedicated to its ambitions for a Greater israel...

yes it´s all pretty sick and perverted,,,and to think that such scum have the fawning blessings of the Liberal Party, not to mention the Jewish people of Canada....an empire built from rum running drugs smuggling and prostitution! But it´s okay because he contributes generously to Jewish and good political and artistic causes?

Tue, 2016-02-09 11:19

#15

6079_Smith_W

Time Warner doesn't own Warner Music Group any more. And Bronfman hasn't been with the music company since 2011.

He doesn't run Time Warner, or Time Magazine. I know the popular myth is that they control everything...

Of course I mean "oligarchs".

But actually, he doesn't.

And what is this about drugs and prostitution?

As for condemning the challenging of bad laws like prohibition, there seems to be a double standard. We all cheer when it is Marc Emery. Not so much when it is those who made money in the prohibition era. Are you calling for a Sleeman's boycott too?

Tue, 2016-02-09 18:59

#16

Mr. Magoo

Quote:
you'd call it a public private partnership magoo.

I'm not sure I would. I would expect a PPP to have a clearly defined benefit for the private organization that participates -- profit sharing, government investment, a tax break, or whatever. I don't believe that Willam F. White is receiving anything like this in exchange for whatever they're contributing. Like I said, I think it's marketing. They host a free workshop, or allow you to borrow a Red for a week, and they hope that when you've graduated and are working as a filmmaker you'll come to them for your grip equipment.

Quote:
i'm talking out right privatization. where a privately owned educational company bids on the contract to provide education to students not public employee teachers.

I can't say I like that idea. But I also don't think this is that.

Wed, 2016-02-10 10:47

#17

iyraste1313

York President Mamdouh Shoukri unexpectedly walked into Hillel yesterday to talk to Jewish students about concerns raised regarding the mural “Palestinian Roots” in the Student Centre. The York Federation of Students have confirmed the mural will not be taken down.

“It is the view of the York University Student Centre and the York Federation of Students that this artwork is not hateful and is the artist’s depiction of the resistance to the occupation of Palestinian land,” says Gayle McFadden, VP operations of YFS.

...I wholeheartedly congratulate these people for withstanding economic threats to their rights of self expression!!

Wed, 2016-02-10 21:35

#18

iyraste1313

He doesn't run Time Warner, or Time Magazine.....

for once I submit to your widom on this...I confess I was distracted by the MSP...no excuse...but he sold out Seagram´s as well, which makes you wonder what they actually do for their money...except perhaps to flip real estate and financial assets...

so like they were wiped out on their Time Warner operations, they will be wiped out clean this time what with the collapsing flipper institutions!

Wed, 2016-02-10 22:19

#19

NDPP

I'm surprised he decided to go so publicly postal about this and embarrass not only the Jewish community with his ugly internationally covered hissy-fit, but Canada as well. And yes, thank heavens he's been told where to shove it and has slunk away to Miami to beat the heat and sulk. The assumption of powerful Zionists like him that all must bow down, kiss his ass and give him what he demands, lest he start shouting nonsense about Aunty S appears to finally be losing its effectiveness as a tactical trump-card and, in this case, a last refuge of a scoundrel.

Fri, 2016-02-19 14:07

#20

NDPP

Roger Waters Warns Paul Bronfman That Young Jews Are Unmoved By His 'Economic Muscle' And 'Bullying'

http://mondoweiss.net/2016/02/roger-waters-warns-paul-bronfman-that-youn...

"...Protesting the Israeli occupation is not 'Anti-Semitic'. It is a moral duty. Happily York University students and faculty members seem to recognize that protest is ok, and that freedom of speech is a fundamental right and not for sale to the likes of you..."

Fri, 2016-02-19 17:33

#21

alan smithee alan smithee's picture

This coming from a family who made their fortune selling illegal booze. Criminals and original cartels.Fuck him and fuck Israel.

Fri, 2016-02-19 17:34

#22

alan smithee alan smithee's picture

Sat, 2016-02-20 10:35

#23

iyraste1313

Roger Waters: Pink Floyd star on why his fellow musicians are terrified to speak out against Israel Exclusive: 'If they say something they will no longer have a career – I have been accused of being a Nazi and an anti-Semite'

...Independent

Sat, 2016-02-20 13:29

#24

6079_Smith_W

Again, I know this is a bit of a tangent, but you think prohibition was a GOOD idea?

Besides, it wasn't illegal in Canada.

Sat, 2016-02-20 14:03

#25

NDPP

Paul may have a word with Stephen...

Stephen Bronfman Becomes Liberals' Chief Fundraiser

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/08/28/stephen-bronfman-liberal-fundrai...

"Bronfman runs the private investment firm Claridge Inc and is a longtime family friend of Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau. He is one of the key players in Trudeau's leadership campaign..."

Mon, 2016-02-22 09:50

#26

alan smithee alan smithee's picture

iyraste1313 wrote:

Roger Waters: Pink Floyd star on why his fellow musicians are terrified to speak out against Israel Exclusive: 'If they say something they will no longer have a career – I have been accused of being a Nazi and an anti-Semite'

...Independent

Howard Stern spent a lot of time comparing Waters with ISIS on his show for a few days. This coming from a man who repeatedly calls religion bullshit. Stern is not only a hypocrite but a certified asshole.

Mon, 2016-02-22 09:54

#27

alan smithee alan smithee's picture

6079_Smith_W wrote:

Again, I know this is a bit of a tangent, but you think prohibition was a GOOD idea?

Besides, it wasn't illegal in Canada.

No I don't. But the Bronfman's made their fortune sending their poison south of the border during the prohibition period. Which makes them criminals. It reminds me of a certain Sleeman's ad where they brag about supplying Speakeasy's during the prohibition era.

What's the difference between that and modern families doing the same but with cocaine,pot,heroin,etc...?

B TW,marijuana is legal in Washington state. Why can't they smuggle their legal product into Canada to fill the demand?