City, St George’s Student Union failed Jewish students

As a Jewish and pro-Israel student leader at City, St George’s, I have worked tirelessly to promote education, unity, and support for our communities. Alongside my committees, we have created spaces for dialogue, connection, and solidarity, strengthening Jewish and pro-Israel students through bi-weekly events and initiatives. Our goal extends beyond community building—we strive to foster inclusivity and mutual understanding across the wider campus. However, the recent actions of the City, St George’s Student Union stand in stark contradiction to these values.

On December 19, the Student Union released a statement on the conflict in Gaza that failed to uphold its commitment to equity and representation. The Union’s 2023-2026 strategy, signed by CEO Phil Gilks and President Ayla Hamzayeva, promises to represent all students equally and create an “equitable student experience.” Yet, this statement disregarded Jewish voices entirely. It was drafted and approved without consultation from Jewish societies, and no Jewish students were present when it was voted on. The Union reached out to us only after the statement had already been finalized, making it clear they had no intention of making changes—our input was merely tokenized.

Beyond its failure to engage Jewish students, the statement was deeply flawed. It omitted crucial context, failing to acknowledge the horrific October 7th attacks, the kidnapping of over 250 hostages, or the alarming 413% rise in antisemitism on UK campuses.

Instead, it spread misinformation, including false accusations against the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), such as claims of rape and ethnic cleansing—serious allegations that lack credible evidence. The statement also relied on biased sources, including Al Jazeera, which has been banned in several Middle Eastern countries due to concerns over its misleading coverage. On January 1, 2025, even the government in Samaria suspended Al Jazeera’s operations. By depending on such sources, the Student Union undermined its credibility and contributed to further division on campus.

The impact of this statement on Jewish students has been profound. A survey of Jewish students and alumni from City, St George’s revealed overwhelming dissatisfaction. Nearly all respondents felt the statement was biased, with only one person considering it fair and balanced. Additionally, 46 participants believed it would contribute to rising antisemitism on campus, while only two were unsure. The emotional toll was equally severe—48 students expressed that the statement increased their fear and anxiety, and 43 participants lost confidence in the Union’s ability to support Jewish students. Further, 46 respondents felt the statement directly contradicted the Union’s charitable objectives. One student captured the sentiment best: “I feel abandoned and discriminated against by the Union that is supposed to support me.”

Despite this overwhelming response, the Student Union dismissed our concerns. The survey results were ignored, our emails went unanswered, and our feedback was archived on their Instagram post—only resurfacing after we publicly raised the issue on our society platform. This blatant disregard for Jewish voices is further underscored by the fact that the Board of Trustees overruled the statement, yet it was still allowed to move forward.

This troubling series of events highlights a broader issue: the failure to engage with Jewish students in a meaningful and respectful way. We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for fair representation and acknowledgment of our lived experiences. When Jewish students raise concerns, they should not be dismissed or silenced. The Union must recognize that its actions have real consequences—consequences that affect the safety, well-being, and sense of belonging for Jewish students on campus.

The Student Union now faces a choice. It can continue to marginalize Jewish voices, eroding trust and exacerbating tensions on campus, or it can take real steps toward inclusivity. Meaningful dialogue, transparency, and genuine engagement with Jewish students must become priorities. This is not just about one statement; it is about ensuring that the principles of fairness, respect, and representation are upheld for all students, including the Jewish community.