Politicians must chose priorities. This is the nature of decision-making with limited resources, and no one disputes this. Each cause has its champions, be it wildlife conservation, accessible education, or productivity and prosperity. These champions are people who the public rely on; that the public depend on.  

Enjoy the video below and our introductions to the talented team working with and for you this year. 

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’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.