Ex-Jewish students urged to join call for evidence in NUS antisemitism probe
Many current and recent students have already given accounts of antisemitism on campus, but deadline for submissions to QC led probe into the NUS is July 7th.
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Jewish students past and present are being urged to submit their reflections of campus life as part of the independent QC led investigation into the way the National Union of Students (NUS) handled antisemitism claims.
The NUS opened a call for evidence on the issue on June 7th, but the final date for submissions is July 7th.
Jewish News understands there has been an impressive response from current students from the community.
But to ensure that the probe, led by QC Rebecca Tuck, is as wide-reaching as possible there is a hope the more submissions from former students may also arrive in time for the deadline.
UJS has also issued a further reassurance to students who want to make submissions, but who do not want to be identified, that testimonies can be anonymised if requested.
The investigation follows accusations earlier this year against a newly elected NUS Officer and concerns about the wider organisation. The NUS Board announced the investigation to look into concerns raised.
The probe will consider “whether NUS has done enough to make Jewish students feel welcome, included and safe in NUS spaces, activities, and in elected roles”.
UJS said they had “engaged in good faith with the NUS for many years.
But they added: “Over those years, many Jewish students who care deeply about the National Union and their Jewish identity have experienced unprecedented levels of abuse and antisemitic attacks online and in person.
“Some have even been driven to resign from elected positions.
“We acknowledge that NUS has opened a direct call for evidence but are conscious that many Jewish students may feel more comfortable submitting their evidence via UJS. Jewish students’ testimony can be anonymised if requested.
“Alternatively, we can share contact details directly with Rebecca Tuck QC, who leads the investigation.
https://www.ujs.org.uk/nus_testimony_submission
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.
