One of the most active areas of pro-Israeli volunteer work on social media and the internet is identifying and exposing officials who support Palestinian terrorism in various countries and positions. JewishEdmonton, a group within Edmonton’s Jewish community in Canada, successfully launched a campaign to have Samantha Pearson, the director of the University of Alberta’s Sexual Assault Center, fired.

Pearson had organized a student pro-Palestinian event on campus and had signed an open letter condemning Israel for its military operation in Gaza. The public outrage that followed the publication of screenshots of the open letter led to Pearson’s immediate dismissal.

University of Alberta President Bill Flanagan clarified that the new leadership at the Sexual Assault Center would ensure that the university’s commitments were met. He also made it clear that Pearson’s personal views did not reflect the position of the university. Additionally, University officials stated that an event scheduled by Students for Justice in Palestine was not sanctioned or endorsed by the university. They also noted that the group was not recognized or funded by the university.

The vigil associated with Students for Justice in Palestine would be held on November 21st outside the University Arts Centre, with campus security and Edmonton Police ensuring safety.