Speak out against injustice, wherever you see it. Simple. Let that be the preface.
On Tuesday evening the Union of Jewish students’ stall at the National Union of Students annual conference was vandalised.
It goes without saying anti-Semitism is not tolerated within NUS. The Jewish Chronicle stated the incident involved sticking “Boycott Israeli Goods” stickers upon the stall, also covering the sacred Star of David.
This has opened up a new realm of questions. Was the anti-Semitism or was this a political move?
It seems to be intended as political move. However the defacing of the Star of David has caused offence to many and can be classified as anti-Semitism. Rightly so. In fact defacing any religious symbol is wrong, regardless of what it is defaced with.
There is a clear lack of understanding by whoever decided to vandalise this stall. Being anti-Israel is completely different to being anti-Semite, so why is there a need to cover the stalls with stickers? Tactically makes no sense.
Think about it logically. Would someone who wishes to condemn the 9/11 terrorists from Saudi Arabia post stickers on to a FOSIS (Federation of Student Islamic Societies) stall? No, because the religion Islam and the terrorists association with Saudi Arabia are two completely separate things. The religion and people of this religion are not associated with such atrocities. It is understood that this comparison may appear ambiguous but it appears ambiguity is necessary to free some people’s minds.
It should be understood that the fight is for the freedom of Palestinians, not the downfall of Jewish people and Jewish societies. Any issue regarding the oppression of others is a human issue. This is regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. Palestine is a human issue. Every human can relate and have an understanding if they are informed.
There are Jewish organisations working towards the freedom of Palestinians; B’Tsalem is an example. Unity is crucial. These antics insult to them and the work they do. It creates divide.
If a person truly wished help the Palestinian cause they would directly speak to the Union of Jewish students and engage in intellectual debate, one of which may be more beneficial to the Palestinian cause. Even better, they should have put every ounce of their energy into discussing Palestine on conference floor! That should be the ultimate aim.
Vandalising a stall with stickers is disrespectful, not to mention a waste of stickers. There is no need for this. First time delegates do not expect to see this. They travelled to conference to witness a united front from the student movement with intellectual policy debate. Let’s hope they are not disheartened by such antics.
Fighting racism and injustice is one of the reason’s I ran for election onto the NUS’ Black Students Campaign. The Palestinian cause is one I support. I support the people, it is that simple.
It saddens me to know many will read this post and think me critical and a traitor to the Palestinian cause. The truth is I make these criticisms to fight for the Palestinian cause. Anti-Semitism aside, the vandalism was detrimental to the cause. What if people who know nothing about Palestine refuse to now get involved because of this? These are activists. We need them.
It is unfair on the Palestinians. It is unfair on those trying desperately to seek freedom for them. And it is unfair on the innocent Jewish community to have their emblem defaced.
I speak out against injustice wherever I see it. Like I said, it is simple. Please try to understand.
Peace and Love always.
