Unacceptable antisemitic intimidation at LSE campus event

Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotolevy was rushed out of LSE (@LSEnews) by security last evening after students called for her to be deplatformed 

Responding to unacceptable intimidation at the event on the LSE campus that took place last night, Tuesday 9 November.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:

“Last night the Israeli ambassador was subjected to unacceptable intimidation. This is not disagreement or free speech – it is harassment and it will have deeply shaken Jewish students both at LSE and across the country.

“I have invited Jewish students from LSE to a meeting to hear directly from them and offer any support that I can. 

“Only yesterday I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, and that experience has left me even more determined to ensure that the evil of antisemitism is driven out of our campuses and classrooms. Education is our vaccine against anti-Jewish hate.”

My incredibly moving and humbling visit to Auschwitz has redoubled my resolve to do everything we can to eradicate anti-Semitism in our society.

I’m pleased that more universities have adopted @TheIHRA‘s definition of anti-Semitism – but I want all providers to sign up. pic.twitter.com/HeDvQ8hBFb

— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) November 10, 2021

I’m thankful for all the support I have received from the British government, many friends and partners.

I had an excellent event at #LSE and I will not be intimidated. I will continue to share the Israeli story and hold open dialogue with all parts of British society. pic.twitter.com/12xFp87Kc2

— Tzipi Hotovely (@TzipiHotovely) November 10, 2021

The protest occurred just a few hours before OfS reported a significant increase in universities signing up to International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism 

Over 200 universities, colleges and other higher education providers have signed up to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, according to figures published by the Office for Students (OfS) today (10 Nov). 

A total of 95 universities have signed up, which represents a significant increase compared to previously published figures. Research from the Union of Jewish Students published in September last year found that 28 universities had adopted the definition.  

Alongside the list of providers who have publicly confirmed they have adopted the definition, the OfS has published a range of case studies and resources designed to help universities and colleges to tackle antisemitism on campus.  

Commenting, Chris Millward, director for fair access and participation at the OfS, said:  

‘The IHRA working definition of antisemitism is a useful way of understanding antisemitism, which enables universities and colleges to interpret and tackle antisemitism on campus. The OfS has itself signed up to the definition and the information we are publishing today helps to further increase transparency about the position of universities and colleges.   This new evidence demonstrates that there has been a rapid increase in the number of universities and colleges adopting the definition. 

‘This is welcome and is testament to the excellent campaigning work by groups of Jewish students, which has led more universities and colleges to acknowledge the importance of the definition and the benefits of using it in practice. The OfS published a statement of expectations for preventing and tackling harassment earlier this year, and we are clear that we will consider further action if universities do not take the steps necessary to meet these expectations during the current academic year.   

‘Signing up to the IHRA working definition is one of the ways universities and colleges can tackle antisemitism. It is essential that universities and colleges act swiftly and decisively in response to any acts of antisemitism, so that students are safe – and feel safe – on campus.  The resources we are publishing today set out some of the positive work universities and colleges are doing in this area.’ 

Minister for Higher and Further Education Michelle Donelan said: 

‘The horrors of the Holocaust are a stark reminder that we must do all we can to root out antisemitism wherever we find it. That requires a common understanding of what antisemitism is and the forms it takes in modern society.  

‘Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism makes a public commitment to tackling this insidious form of racism in helping to identify antisemitic conduct, and I have been working across the higher education sector to promote its adoption.  

‘It is encouraging to see so many universities take up the IHRA definition in the past year – but there is more work to do to end the scourge of antisemitism on our campuses and I will continue to work with university leaders to demand action and urge progress.’