Published: 23 August 2022
Last updated: 5 March 2024
ALISSA FOSTER: When we say the Melbourne Uni motion scares us, it is not because we want to stifle criticism about Israel, but because we are frightened.
In April 2022, the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) passed a motion denouncing Zionism as a “racist, colonial ideology”, despite concerns raised from Jewish students about what such a motion would mean for their welfare on campus. The motion was later rescinded and a consultation process with student groups began. However, just this week UMSU ignored that process and disregarded the concerns of Jewish students, and passed an almost identical motion.
In Australia, we are incredibly fortunate that physical attacks aimed at Jewish institutions and violent assaults against visibly Jewish people are rare and, when they do occur, are outrightly condemned. For the most part, I feel safe walking down the street wearing a Star of David around my neck, confident I will not be accosted or assaulted.
Things aren’t quite that way on campus, however. For example, while attending my political science classes, it’s not unusual for my fellow students, upon seeing my Star of David necklace, to ask my opinion about the state of Israel.
This can be an uncomfortable experience, especially when the standard established by student councils is that anyone who believes in Jewish self-determination in the land of Israel is a proponent of a “racist” and “colonial” ideology, and that they are thus not welcome on campus.
FULL STORY There’s a simple way to make universities safe places for Jewish students: Listen to them (ABC)
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Fears for Jewish students after Uni Melb students pass new anti-Israel motion (The Jewish Independent)
Photo: Graffiti on Melbourne University campus in May (Dash Lawrence, The Jewish Independent)
