2019 University of Essex anti-semitism controversy

A proposal for the establishment of a Jewish society for students at the University of Essex was published on the university's Student Union website on 11 February 2019.[1] More than 200 students voted against ratification of the society following advice from a university Amnesty society member that "The society has mentioned it will celebrate Israeli national day which has nothing to do with Judaism.[...] Until the society is politically neutral like every other religious society we will take a stance on this. So we urge you to please vote no until they are politically neutral."[2] About 600 students voted on the ratification of the society, with approximately 64% voting in favour.[3]

The university's Vice Chancellor, Professor Anthony Forster, later intervened stating that the society would be created irrespective of any ratification and the launch of a review to "ensure we provide unequivocal support to our Jewish students and staff."[4][5] Amnesty International subsequently distanced itself from the university's Amnesty society members who had advised on the vote, stating that their remarks "do not reflect the view of the Essex University Amnesty Society and Amnesty International.[6]

Dr Maaruf Ali, a computing lecturer in the university's Essex Pathways department, was suspended after being accused of antisemitism, as an investigation was launched into a series of posts made on Facebook.[7][8] One, in relation to the proposed establishment of the Jewish student society, placed on a page for first year students, allegedly claimed "The Zionists next want to create a society here at our university." Other posts he allegedly made included holocaust denial, comparisons of Israel to Nazi Germany, and an image shared from Nazi apologist site Smoloko, claiming that French policeman, Ahmed Merabet, murdered in the terrorist attack on the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris, was a "crypto-jew" Mossad agent who was alive and in hiding.[9][10] In an interview, Maaruf Ali said: "I am not sure if I can find another job in the UK let alone an academic job. I could only be employed by someone who is willing to stand up to Zionist bullying and intimidation."[11]

The university held a rally in its main square on 28 February in solidarity with the Jewish community.[12] The university's Vice Chancellor said, "Today, we have come together to show antisemitism is completely antithetical to the values of the University of Essex and it has absolutely no place on our campuses and in our relationships with each other."[13]