Leeds JSoc slams Leeds Uni lecturer for comparing Jews to Nazis

Leeds Uni has failed to clarify whether or not it’s investigating the lecturer’s tweets


A lecturer at The University of Leeds has been slammed by Leeds JSoc for repeatedly making “antisemitic” posts on Twitter.

In some of his tweets, Professor Ray Bush likens Jews to Nazis while in others he promotes antisemitic conspiracies, Leeds JSoc claims.

In one post, the African Studies lecturer tweeted: “Does it take a Nazi to recognise a Nazi #nazi #israel #racism ?”

In another tweet, Bush writes: “#nazi-zionistalliance #zionism #settlercolonialism hold onto power whoever you align with.”

Students at The University of Leeds have been quick to comment on the lecturer’s social media activity.

President of Leeds JSoc Grace Silverstein said: “It’s very worrying seeing a staff member with so much influence spread such hateful speech.”

Leeds JSoc also issued a full statement, slamming Professor Bush’s tweets. The statement reads: “JSoc was extremely disappointed to hear about antisemitic comments made by Professor Bush on twitter.

“He is in clear violation of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, which is adopted by the University of Leeds.

“His tweets fall under the definition in two categories: “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis” and promot[ing] antisemitic conspiracies of Jewish people controlling the media, economy and government.

“We hope that the university will see the harm these tweets can cause and will follow disciplinary procedures accordingly.”

Leeds Uni hasn’t actually officially adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism but does take it into consideration when investigating individual cases of antisemitism.

The University of Leeds has failed to clarify whether or not it’s investigating the lecturer’s tweets.

A University of Leeds spokesperson said: “The University is committed to freedom of expression within the law and we promote and positively encourage free debate, while also always taking firm and decisive action against any of its members demonstrating antisemitism – or any other form of hate crime.

“Our Freedom of Expression protocol is unambiguous on this point and takes into account guidance from the Government and, among other things, the working definition of antisemitism produced by the IHRA.”

 123 instances of antisemitism were recorded on UK university campuses over the past two years, a recent report conducted by the Community Security Trust reveals.

11 of these offences took place at The University of Leeds, two of which involved staff members, the report claims.

Professor Ray Bush has been contacted for comment.

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