Open Letter to Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) on report titled 'Antisemitism in the UK'
We, the undersigned, note with grave concern the findings of the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) on anti-Semitism. The report’s findings on the sharp growth in anti-Semitic incidents in the last year is deeply troubling, and is an urgent call to all those involved in fighting against racism, oppression, and for a better society more generally. We welcome the reports calls to take on anti-Semitism, as well as its focus on greater recognition of under-acknowledged areas of abuse, such as online platforms.
Unfortunately, despite outlining that the large majority of anti-Semitic abuse and crime has historically been, and continues to be, caused by the far right, the report fails to address these groups in any detail. Instead, it focuses virtually all of its attention on the Labour Party and the National Union of Students (NUS), without providing any evidence that these organisations are responsible for the deplorable situation it describes. This undermines the report and casts doubt upon its authors’ intentions. We believe that in order to address the growing reality of anti-Semitism in society effectively, we have to do so without falling prey to partisan selectivity.
We strongly regret the report’s recommendation that would suggest legitimate criticism of Zionism to be considered as hate-crimes by the government, effectively equating them with anti-Semitism. Zionism is a political ideology that continues to express itself through the actions of the State of Israel. It is one that is held or rejected by both Jewish people and non-Jewish people. Zionism and Judaism are not interchangeable and do not go hand in hand. As with all political ideologies, it should be open to discussion, scrutiny and debate. This is the long-held position of many Jewish academics and key figures, and one we are disappointed that the report is unable to reflect.
We are extremely alarmed at the way NUS’ National President, Malia Bouattia, is being singled out for her views on Israel by the HASC in its report, and depicted as the source of anti-Semitism in Higher Education. Bouattia’s repeated assurances, within the union and in the media, that she will address concerns and revise her language, are completely ignored by the HASC report, despite the fact that she has done just that and reiterated her commitments to do this in her submission for the HASC report.
Furthermore, Bouattia has outlined – on numerous occasions and in her written submission to the HASC – the actions she and NUS are taking to fight anti-Semitism which include: supporting NUS’ Anti-Racism and Anti-Fascism Campaign, continued work on interfaith and campus cohesion, interfaith work focused specifically on anti-Semitism, upcoming work on tackling hate crime, an Institutional Racism Review inclusive of anti-Semitism which she demanded, as well as working alongside the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust on Holocaust education. The report fails to acknowledge any of these endeavours.
The HASC also seem to be misinformed about recent developments in NUS’ Anti-Racism Anti-Fascism (ARAF) Committee. Under Bouattia’s leadership, the Jewish representative on NUS’ ARAF Committee is now elected by Jewish members of the union’s National Executive Committee. Previously, representatives were appointed by the NUS president. The report claims the reverse to be true.
Finally, we believe this report’s selective and partisan approach attempts to delegitimise NUS, and discredit Malia Bouattia as its president. An attack on NUS is an attack on the student and union movements. This is completely unacceptable and we cannot allow these claims against us to go unchallenged. We demand a revised report that is impartial and contains factual evidence. We demand that all false statements are retracted, especially in relation to the sections regarding campus anti-Semitism, along with an apology to those who have been vilified by the inaccuracies and partisan biases it contains. Our movement will remain principled in its work defending human rights, freedom of expression, and the fight against anti-Semitism and racism in all its forms.
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Mariya Hussain, KCLSU Vice President of Education (Arts and Sciences)
Ali Milani, NUS NEC Block of 15, President of Brunel Students’ Union
Deborah Hermanns, NUS NEC International Students’ Place, LSESU
Sulaiman Lkaderi, President of Middlesex Students’ Union
Subira Ismail, Bradford Students’ Union Community and Welfare Officer
Yousef, Vice President of Brunel Students’ Union
Fatima Diriye, Women’s Officer of SOAS Students’ Union
James Eastwood, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Queen Mary University
Aleem Bashir, University of Bradford Union Academic Affairs Officer
Taran Baragwanath, LGBT+ Officer , University of Essex Students’ Union
F Syal, Teaching Assistant, SOAS
Krum Tashev, International (EU) Officer, CCSU
Mason Amer, BME Campaigns Coordinator, 93% Club BME Officer, Bristol Students Union
Ali Habib, Co-President of SOAS Students’ Union
Sahaya James, NUS NEC Block of 15
Rahul Singh, NUS Scotland Disabled Students’ Officer
Siji Akinlusi, University of Bradford Students’ Union Sports Officer
Radhika Jani, BME Officer at Bristol Students’ Union
Raj Jeyaraj NUS Scotland International Students Officer, President Strathclyde Union
Sophia Ehimiaghe, BME Students’ Committee, Bristol Students’ Union
Noor Almadani, Societies Guild Chair of Brunel Students’ Union
Rohi Malik Vice Chair (Events and Communications) of Labour Students
Myriam Kane, President of LESOCO
Saffy Allayna, University of Essex Students Union, Vice President (International)
Richard Donnelly, Kingston University,
Jo Swo, Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer UEA
Chris Newlove, Kingston University
Shazmin Akhtar, Women’s and Campaigns Officer University of Bradford Students’ Union
Zoe Goodman, SOAS
Halimo Hussain, SOAS
Zamzam Ibrahim, NUS NEC Block of 15, NUS ARAF Committee
Liam McCabe, Vice President of Volunteering and Development, University of Strathclyde Union
Saffa Mir, Community Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union
Shelly Asquith, NUS VP Welfare
Mostafa Rajaai, NUS International Students’ Officer
Sai Englert, SOAS Students Union, Former NUS NEC/NUS PGR Rep
Hareem Ghani, NUS Women’s Officer
Noha Abou El Magd, NUS NEC PGR Rep
Aadam Muuse, NUS Black Students’ Officer
Yinbo Yu, NUS NEC Block of 15, NUS ARAF Committee
Danny Nasr, Goldsmiths Students’ Union President
Mollie Kneath, Goldsmiths Students’ Union Education Officer
Ana Openhein, NUS NEC Block of 15, Campaigns Officer SUARTS
Hussain El Amin, Vice President Community, Manchester Met Union
Shabina Raja, NUS Black Students’ Campaign Steering, Former NUS NEC
Ben Hunt, President of Kings College London Students’ Union
Malaka Mohammed, Students’ Guild Trustee Board, University of Exeter Students’ Union
Sabrina Hussein, President of Huddersfield Students’ Union
Osob Yusuf, Goldsmiths’ College
Muzzamil Khan, President of Bradford College Students’ Union
Mazn Amhamed, Vice President of Bradford College Students’ Union
Misha Velthuis, PhD Student SOAS
Ilyas Nagdee, Diversity Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union
Mahamid Ahmed, NUS NEC PGT Rep
Abbie Mulcarin, Women’s Officer at Union of UEA Students
Moonish Iqbal, BME Officer, University of Nottingham Students’ Union
Finn Northrop, UEA SU
Tara Mariwany, Welfare & Diversity Officer of Goldsmiths’ Students’ Union
Samayya Afzal, NUS NEC
Luke Pilot, President of Warwick SU
Jen Izaakson, PhD Student, Kingston CRMEP
Jenny Killin, Welfare Officer Abeerdeen University Students’ Association
Lucy Auger, UEA Labour Students’ Vice Chair
Hassun El Zafar, NUS NEC, NUS ARAF Committee
Chloe Wynne, Welfare & Campaigns Officer, Warwick Students Union
Huda Elmi, BAME Officer of Labour Students
Emma Atkins, University of Manchester Students' Union, Education Officer
Sarah Lasoye, St. George's University of London, Intersectional Feminism Society (IFemSoc) President
Nadia Sayed, Queen Mary University of London, Student
Dhibla Idris Mahamud, London School of Economics and Political Science, BME Students Officer
Harry Shotton, SOAS, Former NUS Delegate, student organiser
Saba Shiraz, NUS, Student
Antony Hamilton, NUS, Student
Yasmine A, Strathclyde University
Sara Derrouiche, Middlesex SU, Arab Society Vice President
Jonas Liston, Birkbeck University
Savannah Sevenzo, University of Sussex Students’ Union, Undergraduate education officer
Fatima S, SOAS
Anjelina Qureshi, Middlesex University
Ayah Benberna, Middlesex SU, ISoc student Affairs
Rahma Ali, Middlesex SU, ISoc Vice President
Shuwanna Aaron, Edinburgh university students association
Neelam Chhara, SOAS, Co -President of Equality and Liberation
Karim Chaibi Middlesex, Arab society president
Conor Marshall, NUS Scotland, Vice President (Communities)
Rohan Natashka Kon, Newcastle University, Alumni
Noorulann Shahid, NUS, LGBT+ Officer (Open Place)
Hilary Aked, University of Bath, PhD candidate
Bohdan Starosta, University of Strathclyde Students' Association, VP Education
Naa Acquah, University of Manchester Students' Union, General Secretary
Hansika Jethnani, ARTS SU - UAL's Students' Union, Education Officer
Huseyine Abudharr Ali, Middlesex, global south society
Ruth Berry, Middlesex University, Labour Society Co-chair
Aliya Yule, Oxford University, Oxford Jewish Students for Justice in Palestine
Debbie Doyle, NUS Women’s Committee
Hamish Anderson, School of Oriental and African Studies
Hayley Wood, Brighton SU, President
Rebekah Patrick, University of Essex
Katherine Igidbashian, London Metropolitan University
Noria Quist, Liverpool John Moore University
Elena Christodoulou, University of Southampton
Niall Hamilton, Reading University Students' Union, Education Officer
Carrie Benjamin, SOAS, PhD student
Akosua Darko, Swansea University, NUS Wales Black Students’ Officer
Abdullah Okud, Sheffield Hallam Students Union
Samira Shehu, Liverpool John Moore University, Afro-Caribbean Society President
Amelia Horgan, NUS NEC, Women's Second Place
Halima Begum, UCLU, Education and Campaign's Officer
Sarah Gillborn, Leeds Beckett University, Post-Graduate Research Representative
Yasmin Johal, Leeds Beckett University
Kai De Gennaro, Leeds Beckett Students Union, Trans* Representative
Almas Talib, Bristol Student's union, Interfaith representative of Islamic society
Nithya Natarajan, SOAS, PhD candidate
Yasmin Gasimova, Liverpool Guild, Vice President
Sam Nicholson, UCLU, Women's Officer
Izzy Gurbuz, University of Manchester Students' Union, Wellbeing Officer
Sorana Vieru, NUS, Vice President Higher Education
Peter Morgan, Oxford University
Imogen Day, Leeds Beckett Student's Union, Women's Rep
Dan Iley-Williamson, Oxford City Council and Oxford University Oxford City Councillor
Sarah Bakhiet, SOAS, Campaigns Officer
Lorenza Monaco, University of Johannesburg, Post Doctoral Researcher
Thomas Englert, University of Witwaterstand, Student
Zak Wright, NUS
Hussam Hussein, UEA SU
Sarah Wagner, University of Essex Students' Union, Women's Officer
Leah Frances, NUS Black Students' Campaign Committee, Open Place
Samuel Miles, Essex SU, VP Student Activities
Tawfik Bakkar, St Mary’s University, Student
Diarmuid Cowan, Heriot-Watt University Student Union, President
Shadin Dowson-Zeidan, SOAS
Naima Omar, University of Hertfordshire, Student
Safaa Nait-Charif, Aston Students Union, Vice President Welfare and Communications
Maria Roberts, Highlands and Islands Students' Association, Vice President
Eloise Mcneaney, Heriot Watt Student Union, Vice President Wellbeing
Rachel Sursham, Exeter University, Student
Lexy Ogden, KCL
Samuel Osman, Durham University, Law Student (LLB)
Simona Alexandra Simion, King's College London
Melissa Owusu, Leeds University Union, Education Officer
Nicole, Bristol SU
Lewis Macleod, Aberdeen University Students' Association/ NUS Scotland Communities Officer / Executive Committee Member
Eleanor Boyd, NUS, Labour Party Member
Rachel O'Brien, Birmingham Guild of Students, NUS Disabled Students' Second Place
Deej Malik-Johnson, University of Manchester Students Union, BME Officer
Tameka Murrain, NUS/Labour CLP, Student
Hafsa Rifai, University of Manchester, Vice President of Student Affairs
Maya Schkolne, SOAS
Hafsa Rifai, University of Manchester Vice President of Student Affairs, Islamic Society
Emmanuel Agu, UEA, Ethical Issues Officer, NUS Black Students' Committee
Vida Köster, Canterbury Christ Church SU, Women's Officer
Habiba Amjad , Wolverhampton Students Union, President
Elisabeth Mahase, Union of Brunel Students, Media Association Chair
Scarlett Langdon, Arts Students Union, Welfare Officer
Nishat Haq, University of Manchester
Hanna Head, Solent Students Union
Abdulla Saad, SOAS
Mujtaba Awan, Canterbury Christ Church University
Samia Gundkalli, KCL Alumnus
Noor Khan, KCL Alumnus & former KCLSU, interfaith officer
Amanie El-alfy, KCL Alumnus & former KCLSU, societies officer
Caroline Thompson, Brunel University London, LGBT+ Liberation Officer
Tasnima Uddin, City University of London, BME Officer
Tamara O'Neill, UoM, Activities and Development Officer
Laura Cristea, University of Aberdeen
Augustus Mbanasor, De Montfort Students' Union, Deputy President Education
Sayeeda Ali, UCL Union, BME Officer
Mohammed Bilal Munir, Brunel University London
Leila, University of Manchester
Lord Apetsi McMensa, Strathclyde University, Strathclyde BME president, NUS Scotland, NUS officer for Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Karimah, Manchester, General Secretary
Eva Crossan Jory, Goldsmiths Students' Union, Campaigns and Activities Officer
Zehra Khab, City, University of London
Siarah Jamil, UCL
Natalie Wright, University of Sussex, PhD Student
T Salim, University of Central Lancashire Students Union, Education Officer
Amelia Campbell, NUS, UWE
Caitlin Greenland-Bees, NUS, University of Manchester
Lowri Jones, University of Plymouth Students' Union, President
Davide Bertelli, University of Plymouth Students Union, VP International and Outreach
Rojan Kumar, NUS Scotland, SEC
Rob Noon, University of Manchester
Zaidi Hamid, University of Manchester, Student
Azharul Uddin, University of Manchester
Gabriel Polley, University of Exeter, PhD candidate
Ella Castle-Parker, Union of Brunel Students, (LLB) Undergraduate, Intersectional Feminism Society Social Secretary
Husna Tahir, University of Manchester
Mohamed Khelloufi, University of Manchester
Laura Lunn-Bates, Sheffield hallam University
Ala Mohammad, SOAS University, Islamic Society (ISOC) President
Bethan Turner, University of Manchester
Amira Rady, SOAS University
Daniel Nikolla, National Union Of Students, NEC
Iain Goddard, Lancaster University, PhD Researcher
Gabrielle Thorpe, UEA
Jamie Jordon , UWE, Vice President Education
Zain Ismail, City Students' Union, Vice-President Education
Anam Riaz, University of Central Lancashire, BME officer
Hajar Al-safani, University of Central Lancashire, Women’s Officer
Hammad Allana, Manchester Isoc, Committee member
Zak Mohran, UCL, Sustainability Officer
Zara, University of Manchester, Student
Sahadev Joshi, Reading University Students' Union, Diversity Union
Sana, UCLan SU, President
Elete Nelson-Fearon, UoM
Renaye Roberts-Sinclair, University of Central Lancashire, Campaigns Officer
Sarah Sharif, University of Manchester
Hope Worsdale, Warwick SU, Education Officer
Emily Webb, Canterbury Christ Church, Union Council Chair
Wail Qasim, Defend The Right To Protest/ Birkbeck University
Adam Sparkes, Queen Mary Students Union, Vice President Welfare
Ayesha Abbasi, SOAS, Co-president Welfare and Campaigns
Barbara Ntumy, London Metropolitan University Students' Union, Deputy President & NUS NEC
Iqra Choudhry, University of Manchester
Hope Barnes, Blackburn College and university Centre Students Union, President
Ed Marks, University of Nottingham, Left Society Chair
Aaya Al-Shamahi, SOAS
Fouad Shaath, The General Union of Palestinian Students, Head of the executive committee
Anas Ahmed, University of Manchester
Idil Dhabahaye, University of Birmingham, EMSO
Dominic Bennett, University of Manchester
Matt Hoare, University of Exeter
Mohamed Omar, Union of Brunel Students', Vice President
Hussain, University of Manchester
Saharla Musa, Middlesex University
Hannah Robinson, University of the West of Scotland
Muhummed Cassidy, LSESU and NUS London, Disabled Students Officer
Hannah Dualeh, Bristol Students Union, Equality, Liberation and Access Officer
Haaris Ahmed, Strathclyde University, NUS BSC committee
Oludolapo Bolaji, Portsmouth Student Union, VP Education & Democracy
Yaseen, University of Manchester
Taiwo Ogunyinka, Leeds University Union, Activities Officer
Busra Okumus, Leiden University
Oludolapo Bolaji, Portsmouth student union, Vp education and democracy
Arnie Hill, SOAS, Student
Ayoub, Manchester
Ellie Clarke, MMU
Sima, University of Manchester
Abdullah Adekola, University of Bradford
Drew McEwan, EIS
Dimitri Cautain, SOAS, Student
Abdul Q. Khaleel, University Of Sheffield, Islamic Circle Student Affairs
Maalek, University of Manchester
Huraira , Sheffield, Education officer
Annie, Sussex Students Union, President
Zain Choudhry, University of Manchester, Student
Matt Myers, Oxford University, PhD Candidate
Yara Hawari, University of Exeter, PhD Candidate & Postgraduate Teaching Assistant
Asad , LSE, PhD Candidate
Pauldy Otermans, Union of Brunel student, Vice president postgraduate students
Minesh Parekh, University of Sheffield
Jenny Compton-Bishop, Middlesex University, Alumni
Francesco Amoruso, University of Exeter, PhD Candidate
Sarah Nwafor, NUS, BSC committee member
Hafizullah Kadamzadeh, London school of economics, Students
Joe Buckley, SOAS, PhD candidate
Grace Anderson, ARU Students' Union, Education Officer
Nicole Lachance, University of Sussex, Student
Tasmia Asif, University of Sheffield, Volunteering officer
Noor, University of Manchester
Mark Crawford, UCLU, Postgraduate Students' Officer
Zarah Sultana, University of Birmingham, Young Labour National Committee, former NUS NEC and NUS Black Students' Campaign Committee
Frankie Leach, Manchester Metropolitan University, Under 19's officer North West Young Labour
Nadia Abu Sakran, University of Exeter
Joanna Fleck, University of East London
Steve Nutt, University of Exeter
Sanders Sunny, Manchester University
Alessia, Goldsmiths
Kelechi Chioba, Nus BSC/DSC
Lucy-Neely Morgan, Newcastle University, Graduate
Simmone Ahiaku, University of Bristol
Alexander Stoffel, Oxford University
Onyeka Igwe, UAL
Carolynne Lord, Lancaster University, Doctoral Student
Thomas Garnett, Heriot-Watt Student Union, Executive
Savannah Banks, Heriot Watt Student Union, President of Drama Society
Aisha Sofee, Salford University
Sonya Andermahr, University of Northampton
Monique Bell, SOAS, Student
Rachael Woodman, Lancaster University, Alumnus
Aashna Bakshi, Heriot Watt Student Union, Equality and Diversity Executive
Craig Gillen, Heriot-Watt University Student Union, Executive Committee (Welfare)
Ceri Brabham, NUS
Monique Bell, SOAS, University of London
Rachael Woodman, Lancaster University Alumnus
Aashna Bakshi, Heriot Watt Student Union, Equality and Diversity Executive
Craig Gillen, Heriot-Watt University Student Union, Executive Committee (Welfare)
Joshi Sidhu, NUS London Area, Executive Committee Member
Alex Owolade, NUS London Area, Area Convenor
Suheda Top, Goldsmiths Students Union, BME officer
Roqiya Sabeg, SOAS University
Marwa Hassan, LSE
Fiorella Picchioni, SOAS
Emily Morgan, Falmouth University
Alex Leivesley, University of Manchester
Morgan Rogers, Cambridge University
Sarah Deria, University of Sheffield, Chair of the BME Students' Committee
Abdur-Rahman Jimoh, University of Bradford
Nick Kardahji, University of Sheffield, Alumnus
Sarraa Abdulkader, University of Surrey
Sophie Flinders, University of York Students' Union, BAME Officer
Basirat, Manchester Metropolitan University
Yasmin Bouattia, University of manchester
James Angel, King's College London
Aditya Jaidev, University of Manchester
Lucas North, University of York Students Union & NUS NUS Trans Conference Steering, YUSU Volunteering Network Secretary, YUSU LGBTQ Network Trans Convenor, YUSU LGBTQ Social Society Secretary, YUSU Feminist Society Ordinary Member, Goodricke College JCRC Technical Officer [personal capacity]
Kai Quinn Allen, University of Sussex Students Union, LGBTQ+ Officer, Jewish Student
Seth Tay Lambert, University of Manchester
Aqeelah Malek, University of Nottingham, BME officer
Andre Johnson, SOAS, Entertainments Officer
Akil Henry, University of Birmingham Alumni, Former Vice President of Birmingham Ethnic Minorities Association
Syeda, University of Birmingham
Eran Cohen, University of York
Shelly Harris, Marjon Students' Union, Women's Officer
Jess Bradley, University of Manchester, doctoral researcher
Sam Pennington, Sheffield Hallam University
Amena Yeasmeen, Goldsmiths, university of London
Helen Perez, UoM
Nadia, King's College London, PoC Officer
Carl, Heriot watt, Events & Activities Officer
Charlotte Hamilton, Goldsmiths, LGBTQ+ Officer
Leshandra Mandlate, University of Essex Students' Union, BAME Officer
Rowha Mohid, Ravensbourne Student Union
Faith Taylor, Queen Mary University of London, PhD Researcher
Sidra Iftikhar, The University of Manchester
Sofiya ahmed , Birkbeck university
Lewis Cleminson, Solent Students' Union, Vice President of Employability & Engagement
Saiba Ghafoor, University of Manchester
Jenni Smyth, University of Manchester students union, Women's officer
Daisy Puiu, University of Essex, Open Portfolio Officer
Zahra Rehman, University of Sheffield
Susuana Abena, University of Sussex, Former NUS Women's Officer
Dina Amin, Kingston University
Bilal Zenab Ahmed, SOAS, University of London
Zena Potter, University of Exeter
Jaffrina, NUS BSC, Women's Rep
Sahara Choudhury, National Union of Students, Black Students Committee
Kae Smith, UCL IoE, Former NUS NEC
Yusuf Ahmad, City Students' Union, SU President
Jess Barnes, SOAS
Conny Klocker, Birkbeck College, PhD Student
David Thomas, Birkbeck College
Julian Canlas, NUS, Black Students Campaign Disability Rep
Simran Kaur, University of Strathclyde Students Association, Vice President Diversity
Hussein Ali, University of Exeter, Student
Einass Bakhiet, University of Manchester
Ceylan Begum Yildiz, Birkbeck College, School of Law, PhD candidate
Sumeera Ahmad, Queen Mary Students' Union, Vice President Education
Nazma Begum, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Students Union, MA Student
Hamzah Rattigan, Student Voice @ Solihull College and University Centre, President
Daryan Omer, SOAS
Ana Gabriela Popa, Sheffield Students' Union, International Students' Officer
Serena Cavasin, Sheffield Students' Union, Women's Officer
Ross Glassbrook, University of Sussex
Farwa Sial, SOAS, PhD Student
Tahmidur Rahman. UCL
Laura Hartley, SOAS, Student
Hristina Mihaylova, Reading University Students' Union, Student Voice Welfare Rep
Hiya Islam, SOAS
Rivka Micklethwaite, Oxford University
Daniel Rodriguez, University of Glasgow, Student
Zoe Backhouse, Bristol SU, UG Education Officer
Enas Hamza, University of Manchester Student's Union, President - British Asian Society
Mehdi Baraka, SOAS SU, Anti-Racism Officer
Haris Rashid, Dundee University Students Association, SRC - Societies Councillor
Lewis Backon, University of Sussex, Sussex Friends of Palestine Society Committee Member
Daniel Langley, KCLSU, Nursing & Midwifery Society, Head of Mental Health
Labina Basit, London South Bank University, Masters student
Sakeena Amjad, King's College London, MSc BMSR student representative
Iffat, University of Strathclyde