Jewish student told ‘be like Israel and cease to exist’

Bristol University’s incoming Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) officer faces an investigation after he allegedly told a Jewish student on Facebook to “be like Israel and cease to exist.”

The comments, first reported by Metro, come as Omar Chowdhury became BME officer after running on a platform emphasizing zero tolerance for racism.

Chowdhury also allegedly told Izzy Posen that his comments are “like Israeli settlements: always popping up where they aren’t wanted” in a heated debate on social media.

Posting anonymously on the group Bristruths, a Jewish student subsequently wrote: “I can’t believe that the incoming BME officer of Bristol su told a Jewish student to “be like Israel and cease to exist.”

“This is clearly someone who shouldn’t be representing Bristol students. They are being both anti zionist and antisemitic. It personally makes me so uncomfortable as a Jewish student.”

Bristol SU equality officer Sally Patterson replied to the post, writing: “We’ve recently become aware of comments made by our newly elected chair of BME network on social media and have spoken to both students involved.

“We are investigating the case under the SU Code of Conduct (our disciplinary procedure).

“Bristol SU takes accusations of antisemitism extremely seriously and will investigate fully and confirm the outcomes with both the students involved.”

Omar Chowdhury was approached for comment but did not immediately respond.