New Year, New Term
- Dave Shaw
- Feb 15, 2024
- 3 min read
I hope this message finds you well despite the ongoing and difficult news from Israel and the UK. I am writing after a week of distressing developments on campus and indeed across the country, to update you on the actions being taken in response to these antisemitic incidents affecting our whole community.
Last Thursday our Chaplaincy couple in Leeds, Rabbi Zecharia and Nava Deutsch, were subjected to a campaign of abusive calls including threats to their life after Rabbi Deutsch had returned from serving as a reservist in the IDF. Following the advice received, the couple and their two children temporarily left their home as a result of these vile and dangerous threats. You can read the Daily Mail article here. We were also disgusted by the antisemitic graffiti and vandalism that was plastered across Hillel House in Leeds on the same evening. We're struggling to process these horrific incidents and thank the community for the outpouring of support we have received for both the students and Chaplains.
In light of these alarming incidents, University Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC) is actively engaged in collaborative efforts with various organisations and authorities. We are working closely with the Community Security Trust (CST), West Yorkshire Police, Leeds Jewish Society (JSoc), Leeds Jewish Representative Council (LJRC), Government representatives, the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), Board of Deputies (BoD) and the authorities at University of Leeds. Our collective goal is to ensure the safety of our Jewish students and Chaplaincy staff on campus and take a clear stand against the noisy and malicious minority who are trying to intimidate us.
We are extremely grateful for the proactive response of the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeship and Higher Education, Robert Halfon, who, upon learning of the antisemitic abuse and violent threats, requested a meeting with Rabbi Zecharia and Nava Deutsch, along with our Chair, Uri Goldberg, and myself. Minister Halfon expressed his utmost support for the couple and their continued role at the university, emphasising the Government's commitment to combat antisemitism on campus. We deeply appreciate his unwavering support during these challenging times, you can read Robert Halfon's commitment to tackling antisemitism on campus here.
Yesterday, Uri and I met with Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, and other senior university officials to discuss the ongoing situation.The university has unequivocally condemned the antisemitism, anti-Jewish vandalism, and despicable intimidation faced by Jewish students and Chaplains on his campus. We support the university's commitment to root out antisemitism on campus and eagerly anticipate working collaboratively to re-establish a safe and welcoming environment for all Jewish students at Leeds under the leadership of the Deutschs. To read the University of Leeds' full statement please click here.
Regrettably, we must also address recent incidents at University of Birmingham, where protestors harassed Jewish students, calling for "death to Zionists" and demanding "Zionists off our campus". This has left our students scared and heartbroken. We, alongside our partners, including UJS, are actively working to ensure that University of Birmingham takes immediate and decisive action to address this antisemitic hatred that has festered on campuses for too long. In response to this threatening protest our Chaplain in Birmingham, Rabbi Fishel Cohen, together with the JSoc and UJS, met with The Provost, Director of Student Affairs, Chief of Staff, President, and representatives from the Guild of Students where various action points were agreed.
... The Good Work Continues
Despite the challenges, our Chaplains have been tirelessly organising engaging events, bringing Jewish students together to help them lead a normal student life. We are pleased to share some highlights from campuses around the country:
Nottingham: A fun and noisy karaoke and cocktails evening, providing students with a lively and enjoyable break from the stress of daily life.
Edinburgh: Over 100 students attended Friday night dinner where Joel Azulay from Tribe spoke to them about the opportunities they offer to students, including the upcoming Tribe Poland trip. For more information click here.
Lancaster: A lunch & learn session, offering an opportunity for students to engage in intellectual discussions while enjoying a meal together.
Liverpool: A supper event, allowing students to come together over good food and meaningful conversations.
Glasgow: The Chaplains visited Glasgow JSoc with a cream cheese-packed bagel lunch which was attended by 30 students.
As our Chaplains work tirelessly to create a sense of normalcy and community for Jewish students, your continued support remains invaluable. Your loyalty enables us to continue to organise these events, providing a lifeline for Jewish students seeking connection during challenging times.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our cause. We will keep you updated as we work towards a resolution and a safer future for Jewish students on campuses.
Warm regards,
Sophie Dunoff, Chief Executive Officer
