>[!External Links]- >[Full report](x-devonthink-item://33DE828E-2B71-4059-926F-C04B3BAE1B8B) ## Broad Findings - Numerous investigations into antisemitism/ racism in NUS have resulted in recommendations, however these have not been acted on - This time seems different- confident leadership wants to change - There are clear examples of antisemitism in society that are often called out, however the less visible ones are more pernicious and impactful for Jewish students. - Antisemitism most often occurs when pro-Palestinian/ anti-Israeli/ anti-Zionism activism takes place. - Often the first time Israel-Palestine is discussed is at University. ## BDS and Israel - Jewish students support Israel’s right to exist (90%) and it is some part of their identity (93%). But far fewer Jews consider themselves Zionist (59%). BDS does impact negatively on Jews. - Often antisemitism is wrapped up in comments on Israel. - Recommendations - NUS develops a sensitive, nuanced approach to Middle Eastern Politics - NUS should disseminate good example models of dialogue around Israel/Palestine. ## Examples of unwelcoming environment - Leaflet distributed at conference saying “Jews are not a race” and a failure to act quickly - Lack of kosher food at a conference - Events taking place on a Saturday. No apology given. - NUS failed to properly reassure UJS that it was welcome and a recognised organisation. - NUS Anti-racism investigation did not investigate antisemitism in depth. - One president had said things “that could reasonable be capable of being interpreted as antisemitic” but did not apologise and did not face any action. - More than 50% of surveyed Jewish students said they would be uncomfortable attending an NUS event. 65% said that NUS would not respond appropriately to an accusation of antisemitism. - Holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel is antisemitic (in both definitions) > “I’m a Scouser. I’m a democratic socialist. I’m a feminist. I’m a student activist. I’m Jewish. I’m proud of every aspect of my identity, but I’m sick of being defined by that one facet. The Jewish part. > What drives this insistence on viewing my commitment to NUS through a Jewish lens? It boils down to the fact that in the student movement there are a proportionally large number of people who feel passionately about the Israel/Palestine conflict. There is no nuance in the debate. There is no ability to recognise another side. There is dehumanisation of the other to the point that some people regard student politics as a prism of right and wrong based on their stance on the issue. When you think in absolutes there can be no deviation, no room for compromise. It is this fixation with this subject that has created the culture I find myself in, not only by those who drive it, but by those who are exposed to it and find it creeping into their subconscious.” -NUS Officer, 2013 - An SU officer, later elected to NUS Scotland, invoking antisemitic tropes about jews using the blood of children to make bread at Passover. - Jewish students not being able to pose questions about antisemitism at NUS Conference. - Use of the words “the final solution” in a discussion about Jewish students being represented on an anti-racism committee. That person refused to apologise. No NUS staff intervened. This was harassment. - A NUS staff member involved believed, incorrectly, that this was a ’bad faith’ complaint. - Numerous other incidents, including statements, vandalism, and speeches against International Holocaust Memorial day. ## Report recommendations - Due diligence for election candidates prior to them becoming candidates. - Election candidates to review digital footprint (on their own terms, not due to external scrutiny) - Support for election candidates who are facing issues on social media. - Clarity on how complaints during an elections process are handled - Shared responsibility for combating antisemitism, not just leaving it to Jewish people. - Creation of an advisory panel to implement recommendations. - Relaunching an NUS anti-racism committee and involving UJS - Regular antisemitism training - Use of the word “Zionist/ Zionism” should be stopped, as likely antisemitic. - We should apply the MacPherson principle, which says when someone when they say they have been the victims of racism they should be investigated as potential racism (ie. ‘good faith’) - No recommendation about the IHRA definition, or the JDA definition. - “Criticism of the Israeli government, its actions and policies will be the subject of student activism – as has been the case for decades. This must however take place within NUS in a manner which recognises that Jewish students are a welcomed and valued group, and that many of them may well be Zionist, and that there is no place for antisemitism.” ## Report conclusions - Some students harassed/ faced a hostile environment - Breaches of NUS policies and procedures - The culture of NUS and the student movement must change - No further sanctions/ investigations into individuals would be beneficial. ## To note - [[Nic Beech (VC)]] is the chair of the NUS antisemitism response