The Union of Jewish Students welcomes the results of an investigation by University College London (UCL) into the shocking scenes of intimidation and harassment seen at UCL last term.  

A number of Jewish students were subjected to physical intimidation and verbal abuse by anti-Israel activists during an event with an Israeli speaker in October 2016.

Josh Nagli, UJS Campaigns Director, said: ‘We welcome the findings from University College London's investigation and are pleased they have treated this deplorable event with the seriousness it deserves. We wish to thank Professor Geraint Rees for his comprehensive report and UCL Provost Professor Michael Arthur for his immediate acceptance of all recommendations. The detailed report along with the strong stance taken by UCL will hopefully provide Jewish Students with a sense of encouragement that the university is working tirelessly to prevent disgraceful scenes like this from happening again.'

Josh added: 'We find it particular pertinent that there was a recognition that freedom of speech was breached; a recommendation that students be referred to disciplinary procedures; and an acknowledgment that some of those ostensibly protesting for peace and justice engaged in chants that appeared to go “beyond calls for a ‘free Palestine’ … and if calling for destruction of the state of Israel, could be considered anti-Semitic.'

UJS has already led a follow up meeting today with the Provost at UCL, alongside UCL Jewish students and community allies, as part of ongoing and determined efforts to ensure violence and intimidation of Jewish students has no place on UK campuses.

Mr Nagli added: “We look forward to working with the to be appointed UCL Senior Management Team Interfaith Champion on their efforts to prevent anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents on campus.  The Union of Jewish Students will work closely with UCL to ensure appalling incidents like this are never repeated on campus, and that firm and appropriate disciplinary action is taken against all those involved in the attacks.”

UCL’s press release can be found here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0117/310117-ucl-publishes-investigation-report

UCL’s full report can be read here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0117/Investigation_report.pdf