Canada’s Concordia University, scene of Arab riots during the visit of Binyamin Netanyahu, has refused to allow a visit by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak—because they could not guarantee his security: Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak will not be speaking at Concordia University. (Hat tip: IDF Dave.)

Oct. 4, 2004 — During the summer the Office of the Vice-President Services received an initial request from Hillel to hold a public lecture by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak in the Henry F. Hall Building on our downtown Sir George Williams Campus. After a security assessment, this request was denied.

A series of exploratory discussions ensued about this request with various parties who take pride in Ehud Barak’s accomplishments and contributions. At Hillel’s request, we looked seriously at alternative solutions, including the possibility of holding the event at one of two possible venues on our Loyola Campus.

Our Director of Security, Mr. Jean Brisebois, oversaw an evaluation of both sites on the Loyola campus, in collaboration with members of the security forces that would be involved in such an event. It was their collective, professional assessment that the security of the guest speaker, the attendees and faculty and students could not be guaranteed at either location.

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