Israel flag burned at a Jewish student event - StandWithUs UK statement

20 November 2024

StandWithUs UK condemns the burning of an Israeli flag belonging to the organisation at a Jewish student event in London on Tuesday night (November 19th).

Over 250 Jewish and Zionist students came together for an Israeli party. What was supposed to be an event of joy during such difficult times was marred by the actions of a member of the public who was at the venue.

According to several witnesses, individuals who were not guests of the party began to shout “Free Palestine” when they noticed the Israeli decorations at the venue. The individuals were given a warning by the venue management that they would be removed if they chanted this again.

Reportedly, one of these individuals approached the DJ stand and began burning the Israeli flags with a lighter. The individual was stopped and removed from the area and was spoken to by Police who are continuing to investigate the incident.

StandWithUs UK are appalled by the actions of the individual who felt that they could burn the emblems of the only Jewish State in the world during a party for Jewish students. We appreciate the support of the Police and the CST and are cooperating with the investigation into this incident.

StandWithUs UK Executive Director Isaac Zarfati said: "We commend those students who organised and attended the event. Despite the hateful actions, the event was a resounding success and highlights the strong desire from Jewish and Zionist students to express their support for Israel. StandWithUs UK will continue to support Zionist students on campus and will not be intimidated by the actions of a few to deter support for Israel."

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About StandWithUs UK:

StandWithUs is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organisation that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism. Founded in 2010, StandWithUs UK has become a recognised support system and leading resource for students on UK campuses. We empower and energise students and communities with leadership training and educational programmes on both school and university campuses. StandWithUs informs through social media, printed materials, digital platforms, film and newsletters. The StandWithUs flagship Emerson Fellowship programme seeks to raise students into future leaders, equipped to stand strong in the face of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. We believe in the right of the Jewish People to self-determination in their historic homeland of Israel. We educate the facts in an unbiased and holistic manner, with an open mind, reflecting on views from all sides of the political, social and humanitarian spectrum whilst promoting peace. StandWithUs UK believe the current discourse surrounding Israel on campus all too often crosses the line between legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and the dangerous, mainstream, antisemitic rhetoric which stands contrary to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. We work to educate on that distinction, encourage civil discourse on legitimate criticism of Israel, and to fight antisemitism wherever it emerges.