Canadian student group present was Betar Canada

Among the crowd of students, American flags, and numerous signs outside Columbia University protesting the visit and speech of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, were students from Betar Canada, a pro-Zionist organization active on various Canadian university campuses. Upon learning about Ahmadinejad’s planned address at the UN, Betar Canada students initially organized a trip to New York to participate in the protests. However, when it was revealed that Ahmadinejad had been invited to speak at Columbia University, Betar students intensified their efforts and made last-minute arrangements to join the protest there.

The sole Canadian student group in attendance was Betar Canada.

Josh Rosenblum, former president of Betar at the University of Toronto and the founder and co-president of Betar Montreal, was asked to deliver a speech at the event. Emphasizing the importance of Betar’s involvement in such gatherings, Rosenblum stated, “Events like this bring us together; I am honored to be here, but saddened by the circumstances.”