Donor giving $30M to University of Manitoba speaks out against ‘anti-Semitic’ valedictorian speech
A philanthropist who generously donated $30 million to the University of Manitoba is speaking out against what he describes as a “hateful” and “anti-Semitic” speech given by the valedictorian of the medical school named after his Jewish father.
Billionaire Ernest Rady, a native of Winnipeg and an alumnus of the University of Manitoba, expressed feeling “hurt and appalled” by the valedictorian’s comments during the May 16 convocation for students from the Max Rady College of Medicine.
“The speech not only disrespected my father’s memory but also insulted and belittled the Jewish community as a whole,” stated Mr. Rady in a letter addressed to university president Michael Benarroch and college of medicine dean Dr. Peter Nickerson on May 20. Read the full letter here.
The medical school was renamed in honor of Mr. Rady’s late father, a physician, following his generous donation of $30 million to the university in 2016.
About two minutes of the valedictorian’s ten-minute speech focused on the Israel-Hamas conflict, stemming from an attack by the terrorist group on Israel leading to approximately 1,200 fatalities and around 240 captives.
The valedictorian accused Israel of targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure deliberately, resulting in over 35,000 deaths, widespread famine, and disease.
“I urge you to join me in advocating for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Palestine, unrestricted humanitarian aid in Gaza, and an end to the targeting of medical facilities, staff, and journalists,” emphasized Mr. Rady.
The valedictorian’s mention of the Israel-Palestine conflict sparked controversy during the convocation ceremony, prompting the university to remove the video from its YouTube page.
University Responds
The university issued a response on May 17, expressing disappointment that the valedictorian chose to politicize his speech, deeming it “disrespectful to some members of the audience.”
“The statements made in the address were divisive and inflammatory,” stated the official statement. “They reflect the opinion of one student and do not represent the college’s stance or the diverse views of its students.”
Mr. Rady criticized the university’s response as “insufficient” and demanded a clear denunciation of the valedictorian’s remarks as “false” and “harmful to Jewish students and the Jewish community.”
The Epoch Times reached out to the university for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication. Mr. Rady has declined all media requests for interviews.
At the age of 86, Mr. Rady founded American Assets Trust, a publicly traded real estate investment firm valued at over $4 billion. Besides serving as the company’s CEO in California, Mr. Rady is renowned for his significant charitable contributions to education, children’s health, and scientific research.
