Israel Genocide Accusation Motion Dropped by University of Manchester Students

Strategic Insights -

A motion accusing Israel of committing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza was dropped by students at the University of Manchester following a backlash, after a 2,000-word motion was withdrawn earlier this week. The motion, proposed by a student from the university's Friends of Palestine group, was meant to express solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war. It argued that Israel is an apartheid settler-colonial state committing ongoing genocide against Palestinians and recognized the right of the Palestinian people to armed resistance under international law.

Key Takeaways:

  • The motion accused Israel of being an apartheid settler-colonial state committing ongoing genocide against Palestinians and recognized the right of the Palestinian people to armed resistance under international law.
  • Jewish students held a silent protest outside the building where the meeting took place, holding pictures of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who were held hostage in Gaza by Hamas.
  • Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UK Lawyers for Israel (UKFLI), worked with the Friends of Israel Society to get the motion dropped and stated that the outcome was a result of drawing attention to the student union's legal obligations.
  • Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) expressed concerns about the motion and stated that it aimed to deprive the Jewish people of their right to self-determination and contribute to the ostracization of Jewish students on campus.
  • The University of Manchester Students' Union (UMSU) apologized for the length of time it took to consider the motion and stated that it would review its democratic processes as a result.
  • UMSU stated that it stands in full solidarity with the Palestinian resistance to ongoing genocide in Gaza and criticized charity law for preventing students' unions from taking "principled positions and resourcing campaigns on the most pressing issues of our day".
  • The University of Manchester raised serious concerns with the students' union regarding the motion's wording, particularly where it risks undermining the principles of equality, safety, and wellbeing.

Statistics:

  • 2,000 words: the length of the motion proposing to express solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war.
  • 9 amendments: Jewish students proposed to the motion, which were rejected.
  • 500+ students: reportedly attended the debate, where Jewish students held a silent protest outside the building.
  • 1+ years: the duration of the student union's consideration of the motion.

Sources:

  • Telegraph reporters
  • Manchester University's Friends of Israel Society
  • Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA)
  • UK Lawyers for Israel (UKFLI)
  • University of Manchester Students' Union (UMSU)