Toronto – Hillel Ontario, a prominent Jewish student organization, has called on Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to investigate and discipline Maher El-Masri, recently appointed as interim associate dean, over a series of social media posts the group describes as antisemitic and anti-Israel.
The controversy centers on public posts from an X (formerly Twitter) account under El-Masri’s name. Hillel Ontario alleges that El-Masri has “repeatedly engaged with and spread extreme, antisemitic, and deeply polarizing content” on his personal account. The account’s profile references Palestinian heritage and features a Palestinian flag, along with statements critical of Israel and supportive of the Palestinian cause.
One post highlighted by Hillel Ontario concerned Noa Marciano, an Israeli soldier abducted and later killed during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. El-Masri’s comment under a graduation photo of Marciano, which claimed she was killed in an Israeli airstrike, read: “This is what is so scary about people like her.” Hillel Ontario cited this and other posts as evidence of a pattern of rhetoric that they argue is incompatible with a leadership role at TMU.
“TMU’s decision to promote Dr. El-Masri, despite his extensive history of promoting antisemitic and extremist content, is egregious,” said Jay Solomon, Hillel Ontario’s chief advancement officer, in a written statement. “Those in leadership positions must be held to the absolute highest standard, and ensure that all students, including Jews and Israelis, feel supported. This appointment sends exactly the opposite message. TMU must act swiftly in removing El-Masri and alter their process to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
TMU spokesperson Jessica Leach responded that El-Masri’s posts “do not reflect the position of the university,” emphasizing that the posts were made in his personal capacity and not on behalf of TMU. Leach added that the university is reviewing the matter and encouraged members of the university community “to be respectful, collegial, and empathetic.”
There was initial confusion about El-Masri’s appointment status. While Hillel Ontario cited an internal university email announcing his interim associate dean role, TMU’s spokesperson initially disputed that he held any dean position. Hillel Ontario provided documentation supporting their claim.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions on Canadian campuses over the Israel-Hamas conflict and concerns about the campus climate for Jewish and Israeli students. Hillel Ontario, which operates on nine campuses across Ontario, has been active in advocating for Jewish student safety and inclusion.
TMU has stated that it is conducting a review and will determine appropriate next steps following its investigation.
This article is based on verified information from the National Post, Unpublished.ca, official statements from Hillel Ontario, and public communications from Toronto Metropolitan University.