05/03/2021
‘Should City University of London Reject The IHRA Definition?”
City Friends of Palestine are pleased to announce that City Students’ Union has officially called a referendum on whether the University should reject the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
We live in a time where speaking a word of truth and seeking justice is criminalised. For decades, the Palestinian people have endured ethnic cleansing, occupation of their land, bulldozed homes and forced displacement, lived under an oppressive apartheid regime to list some of the struggles they face.
For far too long, Pro-Palestine activists across the globe, especially on campuses, have been accused of antisemitism for calling out the crimes of the state of Israel.
We want to make it crystal clear: the society opposing the definition does not question the existence of antisemitism or the need for the University to do more to tackle discrimination. Rather, we hope to challenge the politicised nature of this definition which does not provide clear guidance on whether or not criticism of the state of Israel and Zionism are antisemitic, which leaves the definition vulnerable to being interpreted in a way that curtails freedom of speech.
Let's be loud and clear, this definition crudely claims to protect people of the Jewish faith when in reality it seeks to shut down all forms of advocacy for the people of Palestine and the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions movement. Students cannot let the education sector be bullied into adopting a repressive definition.
To protect truth and justice, vote YES between 22 - 24 March!
For now, get the word out and let’s
