'Unintentionally' Promoting Antisemitism

"[Kishen] did not intend to promote antisemitism, and he had limited knowledge about antisemitic imagery and tropes associated with Jewish people when he included the images."

"[Kishen's voluntary resignation as dean] reflects his acceptance of the university's sanction."

"[Kishen] is sincerely regretful for his actions and lack of cultural awareness."

"[The investigator's review revealed] deep divisions [within the faculty, with some accepting Kishen's immediate apology, while] others were deeply hurt."

"I want to assure the Faculty of Dentistry community that this matter was treated with the utmost seriousness by the university and that we engaged in a process that was rigorous, thorough and fair to everyone involved."

University of Toronto Vice-President and Provost Trevor Young 

 

"[This outcome was] an important step, [but] Jewish students shouldn't need a formal investigation to establish that antisemitic imagery has no place in their classroom." 

Jay Solomon, CEO, Hillel Ontario 

Anil Kishen, a world-renowned innovator in the field of endodontics, has been appointed dean of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry. (Photo by University of Toronto/ Jeff Comber)

 

It positively strains credulity that an academic and health professional reputed to be a world-renowned innovator in endodontics would have no knowledge of the wider world around him, to the extent that he would have no idea of the presence of savage antisemitism present in imagery that clearly reflects the most base libels of ancient heritage to demonize Jews. That this man, Anil Kishen, with his Indian background and Singaporean experience would be totally innocent of the kind of mischief that is represented with the use of two crude images that clearly mock and degrade Jews as global villains is a difficult story to credit.

 

Appointed head of the faculty of dentistry at the University of Toronto for a five-year term last year, Mr. Kishen's miscalculation has led to a public outcry  and his resignation as dean of the faculty of dentistry.  An investigation had found his use of the two antisemitic images in his lecture materials, an explanation for which seems most peculiar. Having admitted that he is aware of the issue of antisemitism, why he would nonetheless use such imagery then claim he had no idea, does not reflect someone in whom one can place the trust of honesty.

 

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"Last night I became aware that two cartoon images that I included in a recent lecture contained discriminatory imagery."

"I selected these images as visual analogies for two concepts. I was not trying to make any political statements with these images."

"I say this not as an excuse for this mistake. I condemn antisemitism and discrimination in all their forms."

Dr. Anil Kishen  

One image was that of a figure, its face painted in the colours of the Palestinian flag, bound by ropes and an Israeli flag. The second image showed a hook-nosed man relaxed in a swimming pool brimful with cash, labelled "IMMUNITY" surrounded by several figures, their faces raised. "This latter image is a well known antisemitic trope that has historically been used to dehumanize Jewish people" Canadian Women Against Antisemitism pointed out, when the images were used in February. 

 

The university plans to welcome Dr. Kishen back into fold during the 2027-28 academic year, following his having undergone training to enable him to 'understand antisemitism'. He has been on leave since February 26. "Antisemitic imagery has no place in a university classroom, and those entrusted with educating students have a responsibility to recognize it", chided Josh Laudau, senior director of government relations (Ontario) for the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, adding that "intent does not erase impact".

 

The University of Toronto's vice president and provost, Trevor Young, says Anil Kishen voluntarily resigned as dean of the school's faculty of dentistry after an investigation into his use of antisemitic imagery in course materials earlier this year. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)