RESOLUTION – Combating the rise of antisemitism in universities, as well as advocating for diversity, equality and inclusion 

Preamble:

Since October 7th, university campuses across Europe have become no-go areas for many Jewish students. For nine months now, we have seen antisemitic hatred spreading in university spaces and being tolerated by university administrations. In an environment that should be dedicated to learning and personal growth, calls for violence against Jews are being made, public space is being occupied and Jewish students and their allies are being threatened, intimidated, and attacked. As Jewish-European students, we want to oppose this. Universities must and have to be safe spaces. University administrations must be able to guarantee the safety of all students. We do not want to retreat, we want to work to ensure that the campus can be safe for everyone.

Therefore in the succession of advocating for the IHRA definition of antisemitism to be adopted in universities, we also need to address this issue through education, with the help of DEI and workshops. Ensuring that antisemitism is worked on in DEI sessions is a first needed step.

EUJS notes that:

1. Since October 7th, university campuses have become more and more unsafe for Jewish students and their allies.
2. University leadership is often helpless and has no strategy to fight antisemitism often helpless and has no strategy to fight antisemitism.  
3. Some student bodies are contributing to the spread of extremist ideologies
4. University campuses across Europe are often not safe spaces for Jewish students.
5. Universities are responsible for ensuring all students’ safety on and off campus.
6. Antizionism, defined as denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, is a form of antisemitism, according to the IHRA definition of antisemitism
7. Universities that have adopted the IHRA definition often fail to ensure its effective implementation.
8. Antisemitism isn’t addressed enough or even at all within DEI sessions that currently exist. 

EUJS believes that:

1. Jewish students have the right to feel safe and protected on their campuses. 
2.  The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is the most widely recognized tool for identifying contemporary antisemitism
3. Universities have a responsibility to fight hate and in this case, antisemitism.
4. Universities should be a space where everyone can learn and grow.
5. The spread of hatred, antisemitism and extremist ideology amongst students is a big threat to the future of Europe and European Jewry.
6. No student should face violence on their campus.
7.  DEI, as in its name, is inclusive and has to address all forms of discrimination, antisemitism included. 
8.  Education on a topic such as antisemitism can be done variously and DEI is one of fundamental importance. 

EUJS resolves to:

1. Encourage and support Member Unions to stay in conversations with university leadership on how the situation can be handled.
2. Put pressure on university leadership if the safety of Jewish students is disregarded. 
3. Offer and accompany any student in need of help against antisemitism on their campus. 
4. Advocate for universities to appoint coordinators (in consultation with Jewish student representation) against antisemitism as contact persons for Jewish students on their campuses.
5. Advocate for voluntary as well as mandatory educational events on countering antisemitism for students.
6. Encourage Member Unions to Engage in conversations with student associations, local  politicians, such as ministries of education, to develop long-term and sustainable approaches to the issue.
7. Continue to advocate for the adaptation of IHRA and its implementation.
8. Advocate for DEI departments of universities to pass mandatory trainings regarding
   especially Israel-related antisemitism.
9. Collaborate with European universities to create and maintain DEI sessions focused on combating antisemitism.