Malia Bouattia ends farewell speech shouting: ‘Free, free Palestine’
Departing NUS president was given a standing ovation after signing off with anti-Israel rhetoric
Outgoing student leader Malia Bouattia was given a standing ovation this week after she signed off her leaving speech by shouting: “Free, free Palestine.”
The controversial president of the National Union of Students, who lost her bid for re-election on Wednesday, took to the podium for an emotional farewell speech, in which she championed her support for Palestinian rights.
She ended by saying: “There are three campaigns that capture my time in our movement the best, and that I just want to leave you with, as I know they will continue to shape our movement and our work for years to come: free and liberated education, liberation at the heart of everything that we do, and free, free Palestine.”
Reacting to Bouattia’s call-to-arms, Jewish Leadership Council chief executive Simon Johnson tweeted: “What diplomacy! I wish her a happy retirement.”
Closing remarks from Malia Bouattia.
It has been such an honour to have such an impressive woman, incredible activist and inspirational officer as our National President while I was an Officer.
Thank you for everything 💕
Posted by Dominic Smithies SU on Thursday, 27 April 2017
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
