London – 5 February 2024
StandWithUs UK is deeply concerned by the dangerous judgment in David Miller’s employment tribunal case. The ruling that “anti-Zionist beliefs qualified as a philosophical belief and a protected characteristic” normalises an anti-Zionist discourse that promotes the annihilation of the one and only Jewish state. Enabling academics to hide behind academic freedom once they spread incitement and hate towards national, ethnic and religious groups in the name of freedom of speech is a dangerous precedent that allows extremists to abuse democratic values. The rise in anti-Zionism fuels modern antisemitism. No free society should allow this dangerous slippery slope reflected in the decision in David Miller's case to happen, and every British citizen should feel very concerned by this disturbing judgment.StandWithUs UK will continue to commit ourselves to supporting students on campus in the fight against antisemitism and anti-Zionism by providing comprehensive and credible knowledge.
About StandWithUs UK:
StandWithUs is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organization 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.
