Union of Jewish Students welcomes 400 delegates to annual convention

Almost 400 students came together for the annual convention of the Union of Jewish Students (UJS).

The organisation represents nearly 9,000 Jewish students at 70 Jewish societies across the UK and Ireland.

Delegates took part in over 30 sessions led by guest speakers including a senior politician, a Ukranian refugee, a far-right infiltrator, leadership experts from UJIA and experts on antisemitism from CST.

The conference also saw peer-led sessions on mental health, diaspora relations with Israel and women’s rights.

A total of 103 motions were brought to conference by Jewish students; those that were passed and will become policy for the next three years, included issues across such antisemitism-denialism, commitment to democracy In Israel and Jewish learning.

Students also gave speeches to start the election for the UJS National Council, as well as the process of becoming deputies to the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Rounding off the convention was the formal announcement of the result of the UJS Presidential election, with Edward Isaacs chosen for 2023-24.

Jodie Franks, UJS Head of Programming said: “For me, convention was a culmination of everything beautiful about Jewish students. Watching hundreds of students come together, singing together from the same Shabbat Companion, and learning from one another is what gives me hope for the future of diaspora Jewry.”

Faye Huberman, UJS Head of Campaigns, said: “It was incredible to watch Jewish students having their say, especially after the events of the past year in student politics. Hundreds of students made their views heard on topics they are passionate about, with lively debate and discussions reflecting the diversity of Jewish students from across the UK and Ireland. Looking ahead, I am excited to see these policies implemented and ensure that Jewish student voices continue to be heard.”

Joel Rosen, outgoing UJS President said: “I’m deeply inspired by this coming together of hundreds of Jewish students. It was a Shabbat like no other that will stay with me forever.”

The weekend was made possible due to support from Oxford and St Georges Jewish Youth Trust in memory of Michael Henriques, (a long standing trustee who recently passed away) and the Jewish Youth Fund.