University of Birmingham Guild president calls for NUS action on Gaza

The University of Birmingham’s Guild president has called for action from the National Union of Students (NUS) on Gaza.

Antonia Listrat is one of 180 student leaders across 52 campuses to sign an open letter urging the union to take meaningful action on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The students warn that failure to respond adequately may lead to widespread disaffiliation from the union.

The letter condemns Israel’s military action in Gaza as “systematic destruction” and criticises the NUS for refusing to recognise it as what the signatories are calling “genocide”. Students questioned why the union’s historic opposition to apartheid South Africa does not extend to the situation Palestine, amid reports of increased repression against students criticising Israel. This alleged repression includes students facing disciplinary measures, suspensions, or accusations of antisemitism linked to the IHRA definition.

The students’ key demands include recognising Gaza’s situation as a potential genocide, calling for an immediate ceasefire, condemning Israeli occupation of Gaza, rescinding the IHRA definition, and increasing transparency about links to regimes involved in alleged apartheid or genocide. They warn that if these demands are not met, disaffiliation from the NUS may follow.

According to The Canary, Antonia, who is the incumbent Guild President at the University of Birmingham Guild of Students, stated: “Instead of protecting marginalised students, and defending our rights, the NUS is instead paving the way for more repression. I am terrified of losing my job during this cost of living crisis.”

The students closed their statement with Nelson Mandela’s words: “Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

The NUS has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.

Featured image via @antonia_listrat on Instagram