[Palestinian Roots mural by Almad Al Abid hangs at York University’s student centre/ YORK STUDENT CENTRE]



A major player in Canada’s film and TV industry has withdrawn his support from York University over a mural that’s been hanging in the school’s student centre for the past three years.

For over a decade, Paul Bronfman, president and CEO of Comweb Group Inc., has provided “goods and services in kind,” through its subsidiary William F. White International Inc., as well as financial support to York’s film program in the form of film production equipment, technical services, teaching and learning centres. (He wouldn’t reveal exactly how much he’s donated.)

After learning about a mural titled Palestinian Roots, which hangs above an entrance in the student centre, he decided to withdraw his support unless the painting came down.

It features a man wearing a scarf that shows the Palestinian flag and a borderless Israel. He’s holding two rocks behind his back. In front of him are a bulldozer and a building. The words “Peace” and “Justice” are written in several different languages.

Bronfman says anyone who thinks he’s holding students’ hostage as a result of withdrawing his support should “get over it.”

“I’m not getting a lot of blowback from students; I’m getting a lot of support from them,” he tells Yahoo Canada News.

He says that the only way the university would resolve the issue would be to take the mural down. He learned about it after reading a column written by Avi Benlolo, president of the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies.

A statement from Joanne Rider, York University’s spokeswoman, explains that since the mural is located in the student centre, it’s the centre’s decision, as it’s a separate and distinct legal entity.

“We have consulted widely with experts who have concluded that the University cannot compel its removal,” she wrote. “We know the subject of the artwork is offensive to some individuals and groups. We understand and respect their concerns. As a result, York’s administration continues to explore all available options to address the concerns in ways that will ensure we continue to foster an environment reflective of our core values of diversity, respect and inclusivity.”

Representatives from Student Centre Board of Directors were not immediately available for comment.

The student centre’s website includes a statement from the artist, Ahmad Al Abid, about his work.

“This Piece of art depicts the relationship between the defenseless, the antagonist and the “other”… It is in question which option is best for him. Watching on as he is fluttered with conflicting emotions, implications and potential consequences of action. With each of these factors pulling him towards a different route of discourse, we find him calculating his next move,” it reads.

Bronfman says he’ll continue to provide support to all other Canadian institutions with a film program.

“It’s in our best interest to educate and train up and coming film students, and we do,” he says.