Following the attacks on Israel on October 7, a group of Jewish students at Western University uncovered troubling content in private group chats used by Palestinian students and their supporters in London, Ontario. Their findings included offensive memes, pro-Hamas videos, and antisemitic cartoons. The students also noted discussions on how to avoid detection while sharing these materials, including suggestions for bringing knives to protests.

The National Post reviewed the chat histories provided by the Jewish students, who requested anonymity due to rising violence against Jews on campuses. Even the lawyer advising them chose not to be named, citing concerns over potential backlash.

In response to the allegations, the Palestinian Cultural Club (PCC), which managed one of the group chats, stated that the claims are currently under investigation. A spokesperson for the PCC said, "The allegations put forward are currently before a rigorous independent process where we are fully cooperating with all legal processes. We will be fully rebutting the fallacious claims made that the PCC in any way facilitated or was involved in the spreading of hate."

The spokesperson further asserted that any claims suggesting the PCC supports hate or antisemitism are "false, malicious, and defamatory" and warned of potential legal action against such allegations. They instructed the media to communicate through their legal counsel but did not provide contact information for the lawyer.

Initially, the group chat for the PCC contained benign content, such as links to Zoom events and greetings for Eid Mubarak. However, the tone shifted dramatically after the October 7 attacks, which involved a large-scale incursion by Hamas into Israel. One member posted, "Everyone this is a time where we all stand united!" followed by heart emojis and Palestinian flags.

As reports of violence against Israelis emerged, members began discussing plans to attend rallies supporting Palestine and protesting Israel's military actions in Gaza. Concerns about the implications of these discussions on their academic futures led some members to propose creating a new, more secure chat on WhatsApp, separate from the university's official channels.

On October 13, a member initiated this new chat, titled "Palestinian safe zone NOT Affiliated with Western," to provide a more private space for discussions. Despite the name change, it was evident that many of the same individuals from the original chat joined the new group, including at least two administrators who were also part of the PCC.