The UK’s University of Leeds posted a warning to students on Facebook Wednesday about an on-campus event celebrating Israel’s Independence Day, which was scheduled for the next day.
Thursday marks the 71st anniversary of Israel’s creation, known in Hebrew as Yom Ha’atzmaut.
The university’s post preemptively told students that the event was taking place, knowing that “some of our members will be unhappy” and they offered a help line if any student was “concerned” about the event, which was first reported on by The Daily Wire.
“[Leeds University Union] has given permission for the Jewish Society to run an event on Thursday 9th May in Union Square (12pm-2pm) celebrating Israel Independence Day. We understand that some of our members will be unhappy that this event is taking place, which is why we are letting students know in advance,” the post read. “If any students are concerned by this event, as always we would encourage you to speak to our LUU Help & Support Team in the Union foyer, via advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk or by phone 0113 3801400.”
Yom Huledet Sameach, Israel!
On #IsraelIndependenceDay, we celebrate 71 years of the Israeli people’s strength & resiliency, and recognize the lasting bond between our nations. #YomHaatzmaut pic.twitter.com/Myr9yl4jzM
— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) May 9, 2019
Back in March, University of Leeds’ students’ union failed to pass a resolution that would condemn anti-Semitism and implement policies to fight against it.
Emma Jacobs, the student who brought the up the proposals, asked the 15-student panel to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism. She also wanted trainings for teachers and at least one Holocaust Memorial Day, according to The Guardian. The measure failed to reach the 75% threshold to pass.
Numerous elements of the UK’s Labour Party have also faced accusations of anti-Semitism in recent years, and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has been a frequent subject of such criticism. Since the party implemented a new “complaints procedure” in April 2018, Labour members have faced 673 allegations of anti-Semitism, which led to the sanction of 296 people, as of January.
