As we begin a new year, and a new term, the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza remains front of mind. It has been utterly devastating to see the pain, destruction, and horrendous loss of life in Israel and Gaza since the 7 October Hamas terrorist attacks, which we completely condemn, and the subsequent Israeli military action.
Close to home, knowing that our own Palestinian and Jewish students have suffered, and continue to suffer, the most appalling forms of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian prejudice, is sickening. Without question, all students should feel safe and secure in their place of study. The wider UCL family of students, staff, and alumni have endured unimaginable pain over the past three months, and we've spoken to many members of our community who have been personally impacted by the loss of family members and friends. Our hearts ache for those suffering in the most unjust ways. This is a moment of profound grief for so many in our community, and our first thought should always be the well-being of others.
We are forever indebted to the strength and commitment of our student groups, clubs and societies who have worked tirelessly to create strong networks of support for students in response to the conflict. These student leaders have carried an enormous weight of responsibility on their shoulders whilst themselves suffering the ongoing pain and distress caused by the conflict. They are exceptional examples of student leadership and we’re immensely proud of them and their work.
There is extensive support available for those affected by the conflict and we urge you to reach out for support if you need it. Crucially, please encourage those close to you to access support services if you feel they are struggling. You will make a difference. Details can be found here.
As trustees of the students’ union, we know the charity we lead cannot take a corporate position on the conflict as it must only focus on advancing its charitable purposes. Instead, the union has been working tirelessly to support our student community to assemble, grieve, and express their views. And it will continue to do so.
As Sabbatical Officers we have chosen to add our voices personally to those of United Nations world leaders, faith leaders, humanitarian charities, and the UK government in a heartfelt call for an urgent ceasefire that can be sustained by all parties, putting an end to civilian suffering. This is a moral call to stop the unfathomable loss of innocent life, return all those held hostage, and start on the urgently needed path to a long-term negotiated peace. After decades of pain and suffering, lasting peace is, in our view, the only route to the long-term safety, stability, and security of both Israel and Palestine. Our call for a ceasefire is a rejection of the idea that military action will bring about peace; violence begets violence, and the long history of this conflict has proven this time and time again.
We’re developing new specialist training for all students on understanding and responding to antisemitism and Islamophobia that we’ll share this term. We’re a diverse community with a wide range of views and it’s crucial that our community remains a place where unprejudiced healthy discussion can take place and one where everyone feels safe and welcome.
Please feel free to reach out to us about any of the things discussed in this article, or anything else on your mind.
Take care,
Issy, Shaban, Ahmad, Mary, and Aria