This blog is dedicated to the memory of my Grandmother, Pamela Goodfield z’l, who passed away this weekend. 

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At last week’s NUS Conference the UJS Fringe put FOSIS on trial. FOSIS and local Islamic Societies’ invitations to hate speakers on campus has inflicted great harm on the wellbeing of Jewish students. The fringe was a unique opportunity to expose FOSIS under close scrutiny.  

Shortly before Conference we were approached by NUS. To simplify a long-story, FOSIS offered to participate but refused to do so with Douglas Murray on the panel. Politely, with regret and respect, we spoke to Murray and revoked his invitation. We acted pragmatically, prioritizing the welfare of Jewish students above the fear of offending him, and in so doing exposed FOSIS in front of 200 student leaders. The event was the first-time that UJS and FOSIS have shared a platform at NUS.

And yet, instead of being commended for our leadership, decisiveness and bringing FOSIS to task we find ourselves under attack by our so-called friends for cow-towing to Islamism. Ironically, it was the issue of Murray’s invitation that truly exposed FOSIS’ hypocrisy. By insisting that he not appear on the panel, they proved that their commitment to such freedoms extended only to those who preach hate.

Douglas Murray has earned the respect of many for his stance on extremism and so we were especially disappointed and surprised that he sought to attack UJS so publicly. Far more powerful than Murray’s impact was Rashad Ali, a reformed member of Hizb’ut Tahrir, who seized on this rare opportunity to attack FOSIS’ actions. In his own words, he was shocked that FOSIS had agreed to take part in a UJS Fringe, let alone on the subject of Hate Speech.  

At NUS Conference, UJS proved once again that we are the most successful body at lobbying on Jewish issues, bar none.

First, NUS Conference voted in favor of issuing firm guidelines on tackling Hate Speech on campus. Second, Conference renewed the EUMC definition of antisemitism as the guideline used so effectively to root-out vehemently antisemitic groups. And third, Conference voted to remain disaffiliated from the Israel-bashing Stop the War Coalition.

Whilst trade unions pass resolutions condemning Israel and boycotting Israeli goods, NUS has maintained an even-handed balance to the conflict. Despite the British government’s weakness on the issue, it is NUS that continues to ban Hizb’ut Tahrir from campus. These successes have not been achieved by accident but are the result of the hard-work and dedication of UJS and J-Soc activists.

On trial, FOSIS had no answer. They are guilty as charged for inviting antisemitic and homophic hate-speakers onto campus. They are now under the close scrutiny of NUS and university authorities to show leadership, regulate their local Islamic Societies and take responsibility for their actions.

Jewish students do not fight this battle alone. Following NUS Conference, at least 200 more student leaders stand in our corner.