When our community rallied behind our communal leadership and exclaimed ‘enough is enough’ outside parliament, as when we joined the JLC’s meeting at Number 10 in September, we reiterated our faith and confidence in the BoD and JLC to represent our community, and we are certain of their ability to convey the important issues our community faces within the Labour Party succinctly and appropriately. As such, UJS will not be attending the roundtable with the leader of the opposition following the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council’s meeting on 24^th April. 

This year, Israel celebrates its 70^th year of independence, where everyone who is somewhat touched by Israel’s culture, history, or religiosity can come together and share their own personal reflections and experiences with Israel.

DAY ONE

UJS Stall: As in previous years, UJS ran a stall in the exhibition part of the conference. As well showcasing our work to support J-Socs and Jewish students around the country, delegates who visited the stall were also able to register their interest in the Poland trips that we run for sabbatical officers in partnership with the Holocaust Educational Trust. These trips are part of a wider programme combatting campus antisemitism supported by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

After a hard fought campaign, Izzy Lenga was sadly not re-elected as NUS Vice President (Welfare). Next year’s NUS Vice President (Welfare) will be Eva Crossan-Jory, current president at Goldsmiths Students’ Union.

We can categorically state that BDS has never received backing from 700 NUS elected leaders, let alone the 7 million students NUS represents.

Delegates voting at NUS National Conference 2018

Looking back to when I arrived in Glasgow, Conference was a little different to what I expected. From to delegates in chicken hats to an occupation of Conference floor, it was quite an experience- but definitely three days well spent.

NUS President Shakira Martin giving her opening remarks on day one of NUS Conference 2018 yesterday

UJS extends sincere congratulations to Shakira Martin on her re-election as NUS President.

We have been delighted to work with Shakira on a number of projects and campaigns over the past year, including #OurLivingMemory, a campaign run jointly by UJS in partnership with NUS and the Holocaust Educational Trust. As part of the campaign, Shakira’s vlog reflecting on her trip to Auschwitz reached 15,000 people and helped us to engage more students than ever before in marking Holocaust Memorial Day on 40+ campuses across the UK. Shakira also spoke alongside UJS Campaigns Manager Liron Velleman in Parliament on a panel titled ‘Antisemitism on campus: where do we go from here?’, organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism and the Antisemitism Policy Trust.

Shakira’s commitment to improving her understanding of the interests of Jewish students has been exceptional. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship in the year ahead and we wish her every success as she continues in the role of President.

UJS is concerned to see the allegations made against Momin Saqib. To see yet another example of antisemitism within our student movement, especially from a candidate running for elected office is deeply troubling. The allegations over the treatment of Jewish students by Saqib are extremely alarming, and we are disappointed that this has only come to light so close to the NUS Presidential election.

Our Fringe event was completely packed out, with 150 delegates watching Marlon Solomon's play 'A Lizard's Tale'

Yesterday, Tuesday 27^th March, was the first day of NUS (National Union of Students) National Conference, which is taking place in Glasgow this year.

'It is only too clear that once again the Labour Party has categorically failed the Jewish community. After yet another instance of antisemitism from within the leadership of the party, UJS is compelled to stand with our community, and demand that enough is enough.

'We have seen Labour Students turn promises of ‘zero tolerance for antisemitism’ into action, working with UJS and JLM to provide antisemitism training to over 600 volunteers and taking action to expel members where appropriate, such as the co-chair of Manchester University Labour Club last year. The same, however, cannot be said of the national Labour leadership, which has consistently failed to live up to the Party’s own proclaimed standards.

'Later this week UJS will be hosting a fringe event at NUS National Conference, highlighting the insidious nature of antisemitic conspiracy theories. The blindness to the racist tropes in Mear One’s mural is just the latest example of how the current Labour leadership has failed to confront past transgressions, failed our community, and failed to tackle antisemitism wherever it surfaces within their party.

'I hope Jewish students in London will show their support in Westminster tomorrow and join all those demanding ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.'

- Josh Holt, UJS President 2017-18