Students pass positive motion
Noting the global rise in antisemitism, the motion said Jewish students "deserve to be supported by their student union".
A motion condemning antisemitism passed unanimously at the University of Wollongong Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) meeting in late October.
Noting the global rise in antisemitism, the motion said Jewish students “deserve to be supported by their student union”, that WUSA “condemns antisemitism in all forms unequivocally” and that it pledges “to always stand up and call it out – not just when it’s politically and ideologically convenient”.
It committed WUSA to further dialogue with Jewish students, to actively work with them and the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS), and to fight “antisemitism in all its forms”.
WUSA general secretary Tiana Myers, who authored the motion, told The AJN she has always been horrified by what happened in the Holocaust and “it was something that I was really passionate about”.
“Seeing all of the antisemitic things that have just come out of the woodwork almost, it’s been really upsetting. I have a lot of Jewish friends who have gone through this and I just wanted to do a little something that I could to help,” she said.
“I wanted to make sure that we were amplifying their voices and wanted to let them know that they were welcome on campus.”
AUJS vice-president Alissa Foster said the motion “will go a long way in ensuring Jewish students feel welcome in all political spaces on campus”.
“This year in particular we have seen antisemitism constantly dismissed and denied on our university campuses.
“It really means a lot to Jewish students at the University of Wollongong but also around the country to see that there are people who recognise our experiences and are committed to working alongside us to educate others and call hatred out,” she said.
“The fact that this motion passed unanimously is particularly important. Antisemitism does not exist solely on either side of the political spectrum, and it should never be framed as a partisan issue.”
AUJS University of Wollongong president Jakob Singer said, “Being that the Jewish community in Wollongong is so small, it’s a huge relief that WUSA sees us and is taking a stance against antisemitism on campus.”
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark “wholeheartedly commended” WUSA for its “principled stance”.
“At a time of rising antisemitism, at home and overseas, it is imperative that our universities and student councils call out hate firmly and publicly.
“The NSW Jewish community thanks WUSA for its principled position and support,” he said.
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