LSE “deeply troubled” by ‘celebration of violence’ at Palestine exhibition
A top London University has expressed concern over an exhibition erected by the Palestinian society, which it said ‘apparently celebrates’ terror attacks.
The London School of Economics (LSE) said it was “deeply troubled by the exhibition” which was held by the Palsoc in October 2015.
LSE outline in a letter to Board of Deputies president, Jonathan Arkush, following a meeting which the Board instigated, that the issue wasn’t a matter of free speech, illegality or offence. “The concern is that both the content of the exhibition and the manner in which it was displayed, together with related activities off campus and on social media, caused serious harm to relations between sections of our community on campus.
The apparent celebration, even if unintended, of violence and perpetrators of violence caused significant distress to students who identify with victims of that violence.”
LSE conclude by saying they are “committed to encouraging the free exchange of ideas in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The School asks that all Students’ Union societies act with respect for the views and feelings of all their fellow students.”
Jonathan Arkush, Board president told Jewish News: “Following my meeting with senior academic leadership at LSE, the University has stated that it was deeply troubled by an exhibition mounted on campus by the Palestine Society. LSE is right to be so concerned, as the activities by a small group of students there have been so extreme and threatening as to be highly destructive to campus relations, and have left Jewish students feeling vulnerable. LSE needs to act with determination in order to put matters right and repair the damage to its reputation.”
The Union of Jewish Students welcomed the statement released by LSE as “a positive step in showing that the university takes seriously the concerns that have been raised by Jewish students there. We appreciate that they are speaking to those involved to ensure that further consideration is taken in the future when potentially offensive events are held. We will continue to work with Jewish students at LSE to ensure nuanced debate takes place on campus.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
