Wollongong undergraduates condemns antisemitism
The Wollongong University Undergraduate Association has unanimously passed the motion: ‘WUSA Condemns the Rise of Antisemitism’.
The Australasian Union of Jewish Students thanked the student association for committing to listen to and amplify the voices of their Jewish peers.
WUSA stated: “WUSA recognises that Jewish students at UOW deserve to feel supported by their student union and be confident that WUSA council members will condemn any form of antisemitism or discrimination. WUSA has made steps in combatting neo-Nazi propaganda being distributed around campus, but more work must be done.
WUSA condemns antisemitism in all forms unequivocally. We commit to always standing up and calling out microaggressions and antisemitism – not just when it’s politically and ideologically convenient.”
AUJS Vice President Alissa Foster said: “This year in particular we have seen antisemitism constantly dismissed and denied on our University campuses. It really means alot 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 added: “The fact that this motion passed unanimously is particularly important. Antisemitism does not exist solely on either side of the a political spectrum, and it should never be framed as a partisan issue. We thank every single WUSA councillor for recognising this and for standing in support of your Jewish peers. This will go a long way in ensuring Jewish students feel welcome in all political spaces on campus.”
Jakob Singer, AUJS University of Wollongong President, said: “Being that the Jewish community in Wollongong is so small, it’s a huge relief that the Wollongong Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) sees us and is taking a stance against antisemitism on campus.”
