‘Weak’: Jewish leaders slam University of Sydney’s offer to ‘review’ defence, security ties amid Gaza protests

Jewish leaders have warned protests at the University of Sydney will only escalate following Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott’s “thoroughly embarrassing” capitulation to activists, sparking safety fears.

The University of Sydney’s extraordinary bid to appease pro-Palestine activists with a road to defence industry divestment has been described by Jewish leaders as “thoroughly embarrassing”, prompting calls for Jewish donors to end their support of the uni and demands for its Vice-Chancellor’s resignation.

Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott met on Tuesday with delegates from the Students for Palestine activist group camped out on the uni’s lawns to offer a review of the university’s links to defence and security businesses, in exchange for an end to the encampment.

In a letter to the broader Sydney Uni community that night, Professor Scott outlined a three-pronged olive branch, which included “investigating our research engagements” and a “review of our investment portfolio … prior to a Senate divestment discussion”, initiating the same process by which the university cut its financial and research ties with big tobacco and fossil fuels.

Professor Scott also offered to double spending on the university’s “scholars at risk” program, allocating scholarships to humanitarian visa holders “who meet relevant criteria”, and to “expand our current truth-telling process” to “research and uncover … the university’s engagement in racial ideas and practices”.

The offer did not specify divestment from Israeli businesses or those involved in Gaza outright, however the university is known to have a research partnership with French multinational Thales’ Australian outfit. Activists say Thales is involved in the manufacturing of Israel’s “killer” drones.

Tents set up at the pro-Palestine tent camp at Sydney University. Picture: Richard Dobson

“In these times of heightened social division where many feel marginalised and excluded because of their faith, their race, their country of origin, or their political views, the University has a duty to unite our community,” the Vice-Chancellor wrote.

Despite being given two days to decide on their response, the protesters immediately took to social media to denounce the “atrocious” offer as a “spin campaign”, and proclaim “the student intifada”.

A poster made by pro-Palestinian protesters at the Sydney University ‘Gaza solidarity camp’. Picture: Instagram

“We refuse to paint this deal as a victory,” the Gaza camp’s statement read.

“We will not settle for anything less than the cutting of all ties with Israel and weapons companies known to supply the IDF.”

In a further statement on Wednesday, the camp confirmed they had “unanimously rejected” the offer.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said the Vice-Chancellor has been “outwitted” by the protesters in a “thoroughly embarrassing” move, while NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip raised concerns the “capitulation” would only embolden activists.

May 12, 2024: Thousands of protesters march through Sydney to the Sydney University Gaza solidarity encampment on the Quad lawns. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“The university has shown greater concern for supporters of terrorism and the abolition of the Jewish state than for Jewish students and staff who just want to learn and teach … turning one of our great institutions into an international laughing stock,” Mr Ryvchin said.

“Instead of strength and leadership, Mark Scott has chosen weakness and appeasement,” Mr Ossip added.

“The message this weakness sends is that any student or outside agitator can extract concessions from Sydney University by illegally camping on campus.”

Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott. Picture: Nikki Short

The Australian Jewish Association’s CEO Robert Gregory echoed those concerns, and called on Jewish donors to the university to cancel their patronage. He also called on Jewish staff and students to consider their legal options.

“The University of Sydney has zero regard for the safety of Jewish students and staff,” Mr Gregory said.

“Their surrender to the violent protesters who terrorised the Jewish community is a national disgrace.”

Federal shadow education minister Sarah Henderson blamed “silence” from the Albanese government and Education Minister Jason Clare for the saga, describing Professor Scott’s offer as “a very dangerous precedent” to set.

“Mr Scott has rewarded the activists for effectively holding the university to ransom.,” she said.

“If Mr Scott can’t do his job and ensure the university is a safe place for everyone, he should resign.”

Minister Clare has previously said of the encampments, that responsibility ultimately rests on the universities themselves to manage protesters.

“What I’ve said to vice-chancellors is that their most important job here is to make sure that students and staff are safe,” he told the ABC earlier this month.

“The responsibility rests with them about how they do this, and they’ve got to take appropriate legal advice, but also advice from authorities like the police.”

Liberal Senator and opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Henderson. Picture: Mark Wilson

Senator Henderson also urged the government to intervene over the university’s “abrogation of responsibility”.

A spokeswoman for the University of Sydney said the offer is “very similar” to those made by other universities, including the University of Melbourne and Harvard University.

“While some people seem to be urging for conflict and trying to agitate, we are absolutely focused on de-escalation and on not fuelling tensions further,” she said.

“We have been very clear we condemn all forms of racial vilification including antisemitism and Islamaphobia, and that the safety of our community is our absolute top priority at all times.”

In an interview with ABC Radio on Wednesday, Professor Scott confirmed he would meet with protesters again on Friday and expected “a bit of give and take” in the negotiation process.

“I’ve made very clear to them … that we’re not a campsite,” he said

“The front lawn at the University of Sydney is a shared space … (and) their current action is exclusionary by occupying that space, denying that space to the rest of the university community.”

Elsewhere, the Australian National University’s administration handed their encampment an order to vacate or face police action, while Melbourne’s offer to disclose their ties to weapons manufacturers saw campers agree to pack up and leave.

Other NSW universities including the University of Newcastle and University of Wollongong have allowed protest encampments on their grounds to continue but have warned activists who disrupt lessons or “occupy” buildings will face disciplinary action.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]