University of Adelaide considers anti-Israel motion from pro-Palestine students
The University of Adelaide has become the latest tertiary institution to consider adopting an anti-Israel motion, as hundreds of pro-Palestine students urge it to sever ties with the Jewish state.
The University of Adelaide has become the latest tertiary institution to consider adopting an anti-Israel motion, as hundreds of pro-Palestine students urge it to sever ties with the Jewish state.
The vote for the motion coincided with the Jewish holy day of Tisha B’Av on Monday, which was condemned by leading Jewish representatives as a way to silence their voice.
Students associated with a pro-Palestine group organised a general meeting to sign on to the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement.
Just over 200 students unanimously voted to pass the motion, with the university saying it “supports lawful freedom of expression” in response.
“Following the meeting, the matter is now for the students, the Student Representative Council and YouX to consider. Should the matter progress, the University of Adelaide will give it due consideration,” a spokesperson for the university said.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the motion would have “precisely zero impact on the lives of Palestinians”.
“The sole reason they do this is to send a message to Jewish students and academics that they are outsiders, unwanted and unwelcome,” Mr Ryvchin said.
“We fully expect the university to make a statement denouncing this behaviour and asserting its support for a peaceful and tolerant campus environment.”
Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory said BDS movements have no place in the Australian education sector.
“Boycotts of the Jewish state are the latest manifestation of an ancient hatred,” Mr Gregory said.
“It’s disappointing that this vote was scheduled for a Jewish holy day which prevented some Jewish students from attending. Jewish students are understandably concerned about their place at the University of Adelaide.”
The Australian National University in Canberra on Tuesday announced it will no longer invest in weapons companies after bowing to pro-Palestine protesters’ demands.
Vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell said the ANU Council had agreed to update its policy, since “community expectations around what socially responsible investment means are evolving and expanding”.
Last week, up to 800 Sydney University students voted to support “one Palestinian state” and affirmed the right of armed resistance at a rare general meeting that caused the institute to seek police advice on the legality of the material used.
The university was strongly criticised by the ECAJ after it entered into an agreement to allow students to review their investments and security activities, as part of a deal to end encampments.
The students were inspired by a similar general meeting at the University of Queensland in May, which included up to 1500 attendees.
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