I want my name removed from the list of Sydney university alumni

This is a letter I sent to the Chancellor of the University of Sydney in May 2024

Dear Chancellor,
When growing up in primary school, just after the WW2 war ended, as the only reffo kid in the school, I remember the teachers very clearly. They were all returned servicemen, who had lost their teenage years, their mates, and their health when they explained to us the meaning of free speech, for which they had fought.

They said “Your right to swing your fist, ends where my nose begins”. It is something undefinable, yet you absorb its essence to become what it means to be Australian. It is repeated on ruby fields where physical contests have almost impossible definable enforceable rules. It is why the English word “fair” is used and needed in many other languages, notably in German.

The current lack of political and academic will has made clear that you (and others) have failed us in maintaining a multicultural country. Our demand and your task is to now create Australia as an amalgam or alloy, where the different cultural elements combine to form a homogeneous new population with unique characteristics.

My time at Sydney university meant maturing in a safe environment. We protested and had wicked fun on Commem Days. I once represented the Faculty of Science on the Student Representative Council. More importantly, I undertook my compulsory national service [nashos] here and served in the Sydney University Regiment for the three years required in the army reserves [CMF}. We learnt to survive you must bond with all being randomly thrown together.

I am shocked at the suffering of the civilians on both sides of the Israel Hamas conflict. But as the son of German Jewish refugees, I know Israel must survive as a haven of last resort. If it had been established in 1938 instead of 1948, I would still have a large extended family.

The University of Sydney has shown leadership in academic achievements. However, in current circumstances, and with sadness, I have reached the conclusion that I would like my name removed from the list of university alumni. “Not my university”.  I shall encourage others to do the same.
Sadly yours
Ben Selinger