Jewish student at University of Glasgow told to “go and gas yourself” for calling out antisemitism online
A Jewish student at the University of Glasgow was told to “go and gas yourself” after she called out antisemitism online.
The antisemitic comment came after Lucinda Bathie, the former President of the Glasgow University Jewish Society, wrote in an online post, “Let’s not be antisemitic.”
Ms Bathie says that this is not the first time that she has been on the receiving end of antisemitism. Whilst working the desk in her customer service job, she says that she was once approached by a man carrying a box of Israeli avocados. Noting that she was wearing her Star of David necklace, the man said: “I don’t want these, they’re from Israel you dirty Jew.” He then began to throw the avocados at her.
“Jews everywhere are held to this high standard where we are expected to condemn the actions of a government in a country that I have visited once in my life,” Ms Bathie said. “My friends and I remove anything that makes us visibly Jewish. These are longstanding attitudes but they have become worse in recent weeks,” she added. “So many of my friends in Scotland in the last week have said they are thinking of moving to Israel permanently because in Britain it feels less safe to be visibly Jewish.”
According to the International Definition of Antisemitism, “Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the State of Israel” is an example of antisemitism.
A spokesperson from the University of Glasgow said: “The University will not tolerate antisemitism or any form of racism or racial discrimination on campus. Every student has the right to feel safe on campus and the university recently published a comprehensive action plan to tackle racism and racial harassment as part of its effort to address racial inequality.”
Campaign Against Antisemitism monitors the adoption of the International Definition of Antisemitism by universities. The University of Glasgow has adopted the Definition.
If any students are concerned about antisemitism on campus or need assistance, they can call us on 0330 822 0321, or e-mail [email protected].
