Oxford students block motion that would prevent Israel boycott

Oxford University Student Union has voted down a motion that would commit it to opposing boycotts of Israel.

The University’s Student Union (OUSU) voted on whether they should support “opposition to any motion aligned with Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions at NUS (National Union of Students) Conference”.

It sought to mandate the OUSU’s delegates to both oppose aligning NUS with BDS, and for any motion rejecting the BDS movement.

It was strongly voted down by 72 votes against to 30 votes for, with 28 abstentions, allowing NUS delegates to support BDS at the conference.

A representative from Oxford University Student Union told Jewish News: “Many students have come to us and said they felt uncomfortable in the build up, during and following the debate. We will be continuing to work hard to ensure that all Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, or any other students who feel affected feel safe at Oxford University.”

A statement from the Union of Jewish Students said: “After NUS National Executive Committee passed a BDS policy in August, many Jewish students wish for this to be turned around and it makes complete sense that many are approaching their NUS delegations to appeal for them not to support this divisive movement.”

NUS’s national conference will occur in Liverpool between 21-23 April 2015.