Professor Loses Job for Defending Israel Amid Rising Antisemitism in Canada
A Canadian professor claims he was dismissed from his position at the University of Guelph-Humber after publicly supporting Israel on social media. Paul Finlayson stated that his views on the violence and kidnappings stemming from the Hamas attacks on October 7 led to his firing, which has raised concerns about freedom of expression in the academic community.
In a LinkedIn conversation in November 2023, Finlayson responded to an overseas educator advocating for the “eradication of Israel.” Although the post was later deleted, his response became a focal point, with Finlayson expressing strong opposition to antisemitism. He stated, “I stand with Israel,” and drew parallels between calls for Palestinian support and historical figures associated with violence against Jews.
Following his comments, Finlayson reported experiencing hostility within the university. Students discovered his remarks, leading to complaints, and he was subsequently suspended while an investigation took place. A letter provided by Finlayson outlined the suspension due to “inappropriate online comments.”
Finlayson, who enjoyed a good rapport with his students and had high ratings in his department, lamented the damage to his reputation caused by the controversy. “My trial has been by defamation,” he remarked, describing the experience as surreal.
His union, OPSEU Local 562, reportedly did not represent him during this challenging time. Ultimately, Finlayson was officially terminated in July 2025, citing violations of human rights codes related to discrimination and harassment.
The incident has sparked discussions about how universities handle accusations of antisemitism and the treatment of those who advocate for Israel. The University of Guelph-Humber has not commented on the case, nor about its policies on harassment and discrimination.
Amidst Finlayson’s experience, broader concerns about antisemitism in Canada have surfaced, with reports indicating a rise in such incidents since the October attacks. A recent study by B’nai Brith Canada revealed that there were nearly 6,800 recorded antisemitic events in 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
As these events unfold, many are reflecting on the implications for academic freedom and the responsibilities of educational institutions to support a diverse set of viewpoints.
