22 November 2023
StandWithUs UK were proud to facilitate a much needed roundtable discussion with 26student leaders from across the UK, and representatives from the Israeli Embassy. The charity’s initiative of pairing students with key diplomats reinforces the significance of ensuring campus leaders are at the forefront of such dialogue.
Since the atrocities on October 7th, and the outbreak of the war against Hamas, Jewish and Zionist students have faced incredible social pressure, intimidation and even violence from their peers. Many have witnessed first-hand accounts of ‘celebrations’ and ‘justifications’ for October 7th, which has also caused immense distress and worry.
The roundtable hosted at the Embassy was key in ensuring that student voices are being heard and taken into account when it comes to policy and decision making at all levels. The diplomats present shared what they are currently doing to alleviate the situation, and also provided students with key tools and advice for when it comes to advocating for Israel.
Notable moments included students sharing their experiences in coping with bias Student Unions who act against their charitable objectives, witnessing the tearing down of hostage posters as well as a rise in blatant campus antisemitism.
StandWithUs UK Campus Director, Daniel Marcus, reflected on the gathering by saying, “We were extremely pleased to bring student leaders from universities across the country to meet at the embassy to share commonalties of experience and discuss and strategise how to best support Jewish students and fight antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
Executive Director, Isaac Zarfati said “Our students stand at the forefront of the campaign advocating for Israel’s existence, security, and legitimacy. It is imperative to convey their message and experiences, fostering a profound understanding of the challenges they face. Providing this open dialogue and support not only strengthens their sense of pride but also contributes to a stronger student community.”
This gathering is part of the charity’s broader agenda on campuses nationally; mentoring, educating and empowering students has become even more critical in these difficult times.
StandWithUs UK would like to thank Ambassador Tzippi Hotovely and the Israeli Embassy for hosting this roundtable event, and for making it a priority to listen to student leaders who are at the forefront of this moral battle for the truth.
About StandWithUs UK:
StandWithUs is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organisation that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism. Founded in 2010, StandWithUs UK has become a recognised support system and leading resource for students on UK campuses. We empower and energise students and communities with leadership training and educational programmes on both school and university campuses. StandWithUs informs through social media, printed materials, digital platforms, film and newsletters. The StandWithUs flagship Emerson Fellowship programme seeks to raise students into future leaders, equipped to stand strong in the face of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. We believe in the right of the Jewish People to self-determination in their historic homeland of Israel. We educate the facts in an unbiased and holistic manner, with an open mind, reflecting on views from all sides of the political, social and humanitarian spectrum whilst promoting peace. StandWithUs UK believe the current discourse surrounding Israel on campus all too often crosses the line between legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and the dangerous, mainstream, antisemitic rhetoric which stands contrary to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. We work to educate on that distinction, encourage civil discourse on legitimate criticism of Israel, and to fight antisemitism wherever it emerges.
