In signing this petition I, the undersigned, acknowledge that a vote to condemn Israel by the SSMU General Assembly would make me feel singled out, uncomfortable, and a lesser part of the McGill student community.

I sign this petition to acknowledge that the SSMU's mandate is not to be the mouthpiece of McGill students on foreign affairs, but to represent our interests to the McGill administration. Condemning Israel's recent military campaign in Gaza is entirely irrelevant to the stated mission of the SSMU, that is:

To represent and advance the diverse needs of McGill Undergraduate Students by:

- Improving the quality and accessibility of education

- Providing outstanding services

- Promoting social, cultural and personal opportunities

Condemnation of Israel for their military campaign in Gaza fails to recognize that Operation Protective Edge was initiated as a defensive response to the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza aimed at Israeli civilians. This condemnation of Israel is part of a wider campaign ofdemonization, delegitimization and the use of double standards to attack the State of Israel. A letter from SSMU on behalf of the McGill student body condemning Israel would make me feel insecure, uncomfortable, and alienated.