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Israeli Embassey Stifle Democracy in UK Student Politics

University of Warwick Friends of Palestine | 19.11.2004 17:42 | Social Struggles

In an extraordinary act to limit freedom of speech on campus the Students Union at the University of Warwick has given in to pressure from the Jewish-Israeli society. It is believed that the Israeli Embassy also interfere in the effort to block the programme on the Israeli/Palestine issue. Ironically, three of the speakers they so keen to silence are Jewish, one of them is an Israeli.

The meeting was cancelled in a completely undemocratic way without allowing the organisers of the meeting to justify the grounds on which they had called the meeting. The programme "Israel – Palestine: Is there a new Apartheid in the Holy Land?" was to have been addressed by Prof Moshe Machover, the distinguished Professor of Philosophy from King’s College London, the Rt. Hon. Sir Gerald Kaufman Labour MP for Manchester Gorton and Rabbi Brian Fox, vice president of Manchester Zionist Central Council along with actor Corin Redgrave (brother of Vanessa Redgrave).

One would think that in a British red-brick university topical issues of the day such as this could be discussed in an objective and academic manner. However to block the distinguished panel in question would be a gross insult to their established professionalism and objectivity.

In a brave move to combat this gagging action an ad-hoc group of academic staff from the University have taken over the organisation of the programme which now be hosted by the University and not a society subject to the censure of the Students Union.

It is asked that people write to their Members of Parliament demanding an explanation on how a foreign country can interfer with the workings of another soverign country.

University of Warwick Friends of Palestine

Comments

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Unbelievable!

19.11.2004 18:43

I can’t understand what possible justification the Union could have to try and prevent free speech on Campus. As a fellow student I will most certainly be contacting the Sabbatical officers concerned to demand an explanation as to why such a worthwhile exercise, with fair representation from both sides has been blocked. Anyone else who wishes to help the Union realise what a mistake it has made should contact the following Union officers.

 president@sunion.warwick.ac.uk - President Simon Lucas – the buck ultimately stops with him
 ssdo@sunion.warwick.ac.uk - Kat Stark - Societies officer who deals with society related issues
 welfare@sunion.warwick.ac.uk - Carly Braddock, Welfare and equal opps officer who is responsible for ensuring equal rights on campus to all regardless of race, religion, gender, social class or sexual orientation.

Let’s make them realise that there is no room for stifling free speech on campus and show our solidarity with the friends of Palestine.

KM


Further info... - Free Speech must prevail

19.11.2004 18:59

I've just been to the Union website to get some more info on how to tell these people what we think.

The President is called Simon Lucas and he can be contacted at  president@sunion.warwick.ac.uk or by phone on 02476572784 (information from sunion.warwick.ac.uk/portal/union/) Or by post at:

President
University of Warwick Students' Union
Gibbet Hill Road
Coventry
CV4 7AL

Good luck with you event. Hope it is succesful despite the problems. If you need any bodies at a protest to draw attention to this decision we'll come down. Solidartiy from Birmingham.

Supporter
- Homepage: http://www.sunion.warwick.ac.uk


Oh goodie

19.11.2004 19:45

I say chaps I wouldn't don't make too much fuss about this they might pop round and bulldoze your house with your old grannie and the poodle inside !!! funny thing that during the unmentionable an unknown (no one was interested) gypsys were murdered. right about now when the holy war on terror , against the muslims, is cracking along niicely Gypsys are again being victimised through out europe but big time in the UK.
I wonder if "the panel" might have noticed or wot ?

Jolly Hockey sticks


Clarification of Events

22.11.2004 02:07

The debate is still going ahead and being hosted by Friends of Palestine. We would never have surrendered our right to do that - we would never give up the fight.

While certain members of the Jewish Israeli community tried to have the debate banned and appied formidable pressure, it was not the work of the Jewish Israeli Society, which is a cultural society.

The continuation of this debate is a momentous event. The support and solidarity shown has been invaluable.

We will win and the Palestinian people will one day be free.

DP (FoPal, University of Warwick)
- Homepage: http://www.friendsofpalestine.tk


Clarification of Events cont/d

26.11.2004 00:32

The presence of the Israeli Embassy in this whole affair remains entirely speculative and certainly unconfirmed.

DP (FoPal, University of Warwick)