Colin Shindler-05/06/2007

Colin Shindler, (Guardian)

"The [UCU] resolution suggests that criticism of Israel can never be construed as anti-semitic. Quite a few Jewish students would argue differently, and suggest that some who genuinely oppose Israeli government policy nevertheless employ time-honoured anti-Jewish stereotypes. There is a fear that what begins with the delegitimisation of the state will end with the delegitimisation of the people.

The resolution's proponents are, of course, not anti-semites, but they are incredibly ignorant about Jewish history. Despite being on the political left, they would, for example, be horrified to learn about Trotsky's profound interest in the Jewish experiment in building socialism in Palestine in the 1930s.

Since UCU will probably consult its members in local meetings, will they make space for informed views? Will individuals like myself be excluded from UCU platforms, since my intellectual face doesn't fit?

My hope has always been that the knowledge gained by my students will somehow prepare the ground for a better future, for peace between the two peoples and an alleviation of Palestinian suffering. The UCU initiative will undermine this and blindly encourage the rejectionists on both sides of this bitter conflict to further their agenda."

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