In latest provocation, UCU compares Israel to Nazi Germany in new boycott motion
The controversial University and College Union (UCU) has passed a motion to boycott Israel using language that compares the Jewish state to Nazi Germany.
Delegates at the University and College Union’s (UCU) four-day congress in Glasgow confirmed their full support of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement in a right to boycott motion.
In a motion titled “Israel oppression and the right to boycott”, delegates at UCU’s congress in Glasgow confirmed their full support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement.
The motion read: “Congress believes that civil society boycotts have an honourable tradition from anti-slavery campaigns through boycotts of Nazi trade to isolation of Apartheid South Africa.”
According to the International Definition of Antisemitism, “Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis” is an example of antisemitism.
Polling conducted by Campaign Against Antisemitism for our Antisemitism Barometer has shown that almost one in eight British Jews feel intimidated by the tactics used to boycott Israel.
Previously, UCU has listed the International Definition of Antisemitism as a “potential threat”, and has a history of provoking the Jewish community.
A spokesperson for UCU reportedly said: “UCU is proud to stand with the Palestinian people and our congress reaffirmed support for BDS as a peaceful campaigning tactic supported by Palestinian civil society. Any attempts by the Government to prevent UK citizens, post-16 education staff, students or public bodies taking part are an attack on civil liberties. The University and College Union is a proudly inclusive union with a long history of fighting antisemitism and is a welcoming place for Jewish members.”
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “UCU’s reputation in the Jewish community is in the gutter. By making the grotesque comparison between the Nazis and the Jewish state, UCU is shamefully telling Jews, once again, that they are not welcome. Such comparisons are a breach of the International Definition of Antisemitism, which UCU, for evident reasons, has long opposed.
“This is yet another example of how antisemitic discourse pervades BDS activism, and why our polling shows that an overwhelming majority of British Jews find the movement’s tactics to be intimidating. In the fight against racism, UCU very much remains part of the problem.”
If any faculty are concerned about antisemitism on campus or need assistance, they can call us on 0330 822 0321, or e-mail [email protected].
