Debating Communities and Networks XV

The World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) supports positive social change for students globally during times of conflict

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The World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) supports positive social change for students globally during times of conflict

Stream: Identity and Online Advocacy

Trigger Warning: This paper mentions aspects of the Israel-Gaza war that is currently ongoing from October 7, 2023, to present. It also mentions sexual violence, kidnapping, hostage situations, rape, terrorist-organizations, and other themes that could be distressing. Please take caution reading this paper and seek help you find anything distressing. If you do choose to read it, I implore you to keep an open mind to help breakout of potential filter bubbles (intellectual isolation).

 

Acknowledgement to Country (Boodja)

Curtin University acknowledges all First Nations of this place we call Australia and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future. (Curtin University, 2018)

 

Introduction

This essay will discuss how the organisation World Union of Jewish Students, hereby known as WUJS confront a multitude of issues Jewish students face. Established by “Hersch Lauterpacht in 1924”, WUJS is a worldwide union that represents Jewish students (World Union of Jewish Students, n.d.). WUJS aims to promote equity and “unity” among Jewish students and create a sense of “empowerment” with “global activism efforts” such as debating webinars (World Union of Jewish Students, n.d.). The organisation WUJS will be discussed using the stream: Identity and online advocacy.  Individual identity can be understood as an amalgamation of various factors including “social, cultural, economic or political realities” (Goffman, 1959, as cited in Papacharissi, 2010, p. 304). Particularly, the idea that Zionist political beliefs are a large aspect of some Jewish identities and can be positively promoted online via the social networking platform Instagram by WUJS is discussed. WUJS take a general Zionist stance, with one of the core beliefs being Israel as the Jewish homeland. The first section will discuss how the hashtag, #BringBackOurGirls, hereby known as #BBOG was utilised by WUJS on International Women’s Day (IWD) to promote positive social change. Secondly, the idea that Israel Apartheid Week, hereby known as ‘IAW’ is antisemitic (hateful towards Jews) will be discussed. Lastly, the idea that Antisemitism is prevalent on university campuses will be discussed, and the idea WUJS legal assistance is an asset to students. This paper will argue that WUJS promotes positive social change via Instagram in relation to issues including: #BBOG, Israel Apartheid Week (IAW), and antisemitism on campus.

 

Bring Back Our Girls (#BBOG) and International Women’s Day (IWD)

The Instagram post (see image below) made by WUJS on March 8, 2024, marking ‘International Women’s Day (IWD)’, promotes justice by demanding the release of female Israeli hostages using the ‘#BringBackOurGirls (#BBOG)’ hashtag (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024). The #BBOG hashtag originates from “2014” with the kidnapping of “276” schoolgirls by “Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group” in “Nigeria” (Harrison et al., 2021, p. 2). The hashtag, invented by “Ify Eluze… a Nigerian girl” encouraged “world leaders” to emancipate the schoolgirls from slavery, forced conjugal association and other illegal acts (Harrison et al., 2021, p. 2). Using the petitioning platform “Change.org”, Eluze’s petition and hashtag gained global attention and success with over 1-million signatures (Harrison et al., 2021, p. 2). Additionally, it gained support from former first lady of the United States, “Michelle Obama”, who was captured holding up a sign reading “#BBOG” on May 7, 2014 (Harrison et al., 2021, p. 2). The method used by Mrs. Obama was replicated by WUJS, with a half a dozen Jewish representatives holding up signs with the same inscription “#BBOG” on March 8, 2024, one decade after the original post (by Michelle Obama) was made (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024). The purpose of the post made by WUJS, is to promote attention and the release of the female Israeli-hostages in Gaza at present (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024).

An article released by the United Nations on March 4, quotes “Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict” reporting on the treatment of the Israeli-hostages by the terrorist organization Hamas and accomplices in Gaza (United Nations, 2024). Ms. Patten’s findings suggest acts of “rape and sexualised torture” are being committed by Hamas and accomplices against female Israeli-hostages. Ms. Patten’s “recommendations” for this issue include: the “immediate release” of “all…hostages”, the persecution of those committing sexual violence, and a “humanitarian ceasefire” (United Nations, 2024). Ms. Pattern’s recommendations reflect the political and humanitarian beliefs expressed by WUJS in their #BBOG post closely, where female equality and justice is promoted on behalf of female Israeli-hostages (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024). The intelligent coordination of this post being made on March 8, 2024, IWD, utilises the globally celebrated day to promote social and tangible change for female Israeli-hostages (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024). The post made by WUJS effectively projects views held by many Jewish university students, reaffirming their identities as Jewish and their political views as outlined in Ms. Patten’s recommendations. The political viewpoint on “Israel Apartheid Week” is also commented on by WUJS as a representation of the Jewish members political ideals and beliefs (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024b).

Bring back our girls poster oif 6 people holdinhg up sign with hashtag #BBOG
Image Description: Half a dozen WUJS members holding a sign saying #BringBackOurGirls.

Image reference:

World Union of Jewish Students. (2024a, March 8). BRING BACK OUR GIRLS. www.instagram.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4P58j5NgbQ/?img_index=1

 

 

 

Israel Apartheid Week (IAW)

Social change is promoted by WUJS (see image below) by highlighting the negative implications of “Israel Apartheid Week”, an event the union describes as problematic due to “discrimination, extremism and antisemitism” in support of Jewish students and their rights (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024b). Notably, ‘Israel Apartheid Week’ (IAW), commenced on “March 2024” at the “University of Cape Town (UCT)” with large student demonstrations (Adams, 2024). The purpose of IAW is allegedly to voice “Palestinian injustice since 1948”, the year the state of Israel was created (Adams, 2024). Acknowledging that both Jewish people and Palestinians have a complicated history, and “collective trauma” is vital to understanding why events such as IAW exist (Rees & Moussa, 2023, p. 4). Jewish people share “transgenerational trauma”, or inherited emotional distress, related to the tragedy of the “Holocaust” and other injustices, where the genocide of over 6-millon Jews took place up until the year 1945 (Rees & Moussa, 2023, p. 4). Palestinians have “transgenerational trauma” as well, due to “forced displacement, dispossession and oppression” leading to events such as IAW being invented (Rees & Moussa, 2023, p. 4).

WUJS condemns IAW due to the use of “Hamas, Hezbollah and PIJ (Palestine Islamic Jihad – militant group) flags” along with “antisemitic slurs” being targeted at Jewish individuals (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024b). The notion positive social change can be made by WUJS condemning antisemitic events such as IAW to prevent religious discrimination is imperative. Acknowledging the Palestinian people’s suffrage over time is necessary as well, along with condemning Islamophobia as another form of prejudice. However, WUJS suggests that IAW is the wrong method of supporting the Palestinian people as it discriminates against another minority- Jews. According to Alums for Campus Fairness (2024), the claim that Israel is an Apartheid state is refuted as “citizens” have equality regardless of their background.

Unlike IAW suggests, “South Africa’s” history of “apartheid” caused “racial segregation” between people of colour and Caucasians, unlike in Israeli society (Alums for Campus Fairness, 2024). The ongoing war between Israel and Gaza must be acknowledged as a large factor escalating tensions between Israelis, Palestinians, and others globally. According to Rees and Moussa (2023, p. 5), large numbers of people are adversely impacted by “the trauma” of the Israel-Gaza war for a multitude of reasons. The suggestion given is for “community leaders” to “advocate” for peace (Rees & Moussa, 2023, p. 5). Therefore, instead of spreading hate, WUJS uses Instagram to promote peace on university campuses and that includes condemning antisemitic events such as IAW that take place in South Africa and other countries. The idea that antisemitism is unacceptable on university campuses is promoted further by WUJS via Instagram, by offering legal action for Jewish students against antisemitic incidents where appropriate.

 

WUJS statement responding to Israel Apartheid Week.
Image Description: WUJS statement responding to Israel Apartheid Week.

Image reference:

World Union of Jewish Students. (2024b, March 27). WUJS’ message in response to “Israel Apartheid Week”. Www.instagram.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4–FFHNj1k/?img_index=2

 

 

Antisemitism on university campuses worldwide

Antisemitism can be defined as a negative “perception of Jews” that derives from “hatred” (Anti-Defamation League, 2021). WUJS addresses the growing antisemitism Jewish university students are experiencing, via Instagram, to promote social change by condemning antisemitism and offering legal counsel where possible (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024c). According to Anti-Defamation League (2021), antisemitism can be expressed in a multitude of ways, including but not limited to, animosity “towards the Jewish State of Israel” in certain cases. WUJS explains that after an Italian university student made a substantial complaint about “hostility against…Jewish students” they were prompted to offer legal assistance (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024c). As the Italian case was kept anonymous by WUJS, an insight into Antisemitism experienced by Australian Jewish university students (hereby known as AJUS) will be made. According to a study conducted by the Social Research Centre (2023), AJUS are experiencing high levels of antisemitism leading to further negative implications. The key results of the study suggest “64%” of AJUS are exposed to “antisemitism at university” which is a concerning finding (Social Research Centre, 2023). Additionally, “57%” of AJUS conceal their Jewish heritage to avoid antisemitism and “29%” of antisemitic acts were allegedly committed by “university staff” (Social Research Centre, 2023). Considering religious freedom should be prevalent in a multicultural society such as Australia, these findings give further context to why WUJS are offering legal aid for Jewish students. Additionally, university staff members should support AJUS in their studies, not discriminate against them. The Social Research Centre (2023) findings show how alarming it is that many Australian universities have not “adopted a definition of antisemitism” to prevent issues such as these. Understanding this, it can be seen why WUJS offering to support Jewish students facing antisemitism, and promoting these solutions publicly via Instagram supports positive social change. Further evidence of antisemitism on campus was presented by nine American college students to “members of congress in Washington D.C” (Hartocollis, 2024). Some of these students detailed “being spat on and cursed” simply for wearing “Star of David necklaces” and kippahs or “skullcaps” (Hartocollis, 2024). The freedom for Jewish people to wear their religious symbols and headdress is being compromised by antisemitism. Additionally, according to Hartocollis (2024), student Joe Gindi explained that pro-Palestine protesters yelled “We don’t want Zionists here!” towards him. This is an antisemitic remark asserting that those who believe Israel is the Jewish homeland (a core Zionist belief) don’t have the right to study on the same campus as those with opposing views. These kind of discriminatory, antisemitic occurrences on university and college campuses are why organisations such as WUJS are vital to ensuring Jewish students feel protected and legally represented if needed.

 

Image of WUJS statement on legal aid for Jewish students.
Image Description: WUJS statement on legal aid for Jewish students.

Image reference:

World Union of Jewish Students. (2024c, April 3). WUJS, IJL and B’nai B’rith International have partnered to support students facing antisemitism on campus. Www.instagram.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5TTTL3tVDw/?img_index=1

 

 

Conclusion

Social change is created by WUJS via Instagram in a multitude of ways. The use of the repurposed of hashtag ‘Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG)’ by WUJS on ‘International Women’s Day (IWD)’, is one of the ways the organisation creates global outreach (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024a). The BBOG hashtag, invented in 2014 in response to the Boko Haram abduction targeted world leaders to act swiftly using a virtual petition (Harrison et al., 2021). An unfortunate parallel to this case is highlighted by a WUJS Instagram post on March 8, 2024 (IWD), broadcasting attention to the sexual violence and war crimes being committed by Hamas, a terrorist organisation, to the women being held hostage in Gaza at present (United Nations 2024). The use of the BBOG hashtag for the Israeli-hostages by WUJS aims to create social change and action by pressuring the Israeli Government and world leaders to negotiate the “release of all Israeli hostages” within Gaza (United Nations, 2024).

Within the second section of this paper, an Instagram post by WUJS giving a statement on ‘Israel Apartheid Week (IAW)’ in South Africa was discussed (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024b). The issues with IAW are highlighted by WUJS, including antisemitism with terrorist group flags being promoted at the event (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024b). Despite IAW’s aim to be bringing awareness to Palestinian suffrage, issues are analysed with the way IAW is conducted (Adams, 2024). Evidence to support the issues with IAW is reinforced by Alums for Campus Fairness (2024), who explain Israeli citizens have equality regardless of their race or religion. A medical journal study is also referenced by Rees and Moussa (2023) to acknowledge the “transgenerational trauma” suffered by both Palestinian and Jewish people, essentially amplifying tensions between the two groups. Ultimately, the idealistic a recommendation of “peace” is given to minimise trauma for both groups (Rees & Moussa, 2023). The evidence analysed supports the fact IAW is executed in a negative manner, adversely impacting Jewish students. WUJS support for students negatively impacted by IAW, creates positive social change by condemning the antisemitic event, in support of Jewish students right to safety and belonging on campuses (IAW).

Within the third section of this paper, an Instagram post about antisemitism on campus was discussed (World Union of Jewish Students, 2024c). The definition of antisemitism is discussed as being hateful acts towards or targeted hate speech regarding Jewish individuals (Anti-Defamation League, 2021). Through analysing the study on the ‘Jewish experience on campus survey’ by Social Research Centre (2023), concerning themes and statistics were found. This includes amplified antisemitism on campuses, Jewish students feeling unsafe and unsupported by staff and being targeted for their beliefs (Social Research Centre, 2023). Additional evidence to support these issues is discussed with an article by Hartocollis (2024), discussing what Jewish college students told congress in Washington D.C they are experiencing. Reports of spitting, antisemitic slurs, and hatred for Jewish students by certain pro-Palestinian protesters was discussed (Hartocollis, 2024).  According to Hartocollis (2024), Jewish students in America don’t feel safe wearing religious symbols (Star of David) and dress (skullcaps) due to experiences such as these. The promotion of legal assistance by WUJS promotes positive social change for Jewish students who can seek help from the union when problematic events such as those described occur.

After evaluating various ways WUJS promotes social change on Instagram, it can be overwhelming stated their virtual outreach is positive and beneficial to Jewish students and non-Jewish people who hold interest to these issues (#BBOG, IWD, IAW, and Antisemitism on campus).

 

 

References

Adams, A. (2024, April 5). Israeli Apartheid Week: A Student’s Reflection On Palestine. Her Campus. https://www.hercampus.com/school/uct/israeli-apartheid-week-a-students-reflection/

Alums for Campus Fairness. (2024). Israeli Apartheid Week – Alums for Campus Fairness. Campus Fairness. https://www.campusfairness.org/iaw/

Anti-Defamation League. (2021, February 19). About the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. Www.adl.org; Anti-Defamation League. https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/about-ihra-working-definition-antisemitism

Curtin University. (2018, July 2). Centre for Aboriginal Studies. Centre for Aboriginal Studies. https://karda.curtin.edu.au/

Harrison, T. M., Dumas, C., DePaula, N., Fake, T., May, W., Atrey, A., Lee, J., Rishi, L., & Ravi, S. S. (2021). Exploring E-petitioning and media: The case of #BringBackOurGirls. Government Information Quarterly, 39(1), 101569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2021.101569

Hartocollis, A. (2024, March 1). Jewish Students Describe Facing Antisemitism on Campus to Members of Congress. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/01/us/antisemitism-campus-jewish-students.html

Papacharissi, Z. (Ed.). (2010). Conclusion. In A Networked Self : Identity, Community, and Culture on Social Network Sites (pp. 304–317). Taylor & Francis Group. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/curtin/reader.action?docID=574608&ppg=10&pq-origsite=primo

Rees, S., & Moussa, B. (2023). Invisible wounds of the Israel–Gaza war in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia, 220(1), 4–6. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52168

Social Research Centre. (2023). The Jewish University Experience Survey – summary of the survey. AUJS – Australian Union of Jewish Students, 1–5. https://aujs.com.au/src-survey/

United Nations. (2024, March 4). “Clear and convincing information” that hostages held in Gaza subjected to sexual violence, says UN Special Representative | UN News. News.un.org. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147217

World Union of Jewish Students. (n.d.). ABOUT. Wujs. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.wujs.org.il/about

World Union of Jewish Students. (2024a, March 8). BRING BACK OUR GIRLS. Www.instagram.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4P58j5NgbQ/?img_index=1

World Union of Jewish Students. (2024b, March 27). WUJS’ message in response to “Israel Apartheid Week”. Www.instagram.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4–FFHNj1k/?img_index=2

World Union of Jewish Students. (2024c, April 3). WUJS, IJL and B’nai B’rith International have partnered to support students facing antisemitism on campus. Www.instagram.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5TTTL3tVDw/?img_index=1

 

 

 

Images References

*All images were screenshotted from the WUJS Instagram on 18/04/2024

 

World Union of Jewish Students. (2024a, March 8). BRING BACK OUR GIRLS. Www.instagram.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4P58j5NgbQ/?img_index=1

World Union of Jewish Students. (2024b, March 27). WUJS’ message in response to “Israel Apartheid Week”. Www.instagram.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4–FFHNj1k/?img_index=2

World Union of Jewish Students. (2024c, April 3). WUJS, IJL and B’nai B’rith International have partnered to support students facing antisemitism on campus. Www.instagram.com. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5TTTL3tVDw/?img_index=1

 

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14 responses to “The World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) supports positive social change for students globally during times of conflict”

  1. G Avatar
    G

    Hello everyone. Please let me know what you think about the paper. Constructive comments and queries are appreciated. You are encouraged to break out of filter bubbles (intellectual isolation) and keep an open mind even if you disagree with sections of the paper. – Author

  2. Katt Jones Avatar
    Katt Jones

    Hi G, this was a very interesting read. It brought up some thoughts that I’ve been mulling over since the conflict started back in October. I will start with some minor thoughts before moving onto the heavier topics. I found the use of quotation marks throughout the paper to be rather distracting, and in some cases, they seemed to be used sarcastically for example when you write “Palestinians have “transgenerational trauma” as well, due to “forced displacement, dispossession and oppression”” and ““community leaders” to “advocate” for peace.” Maybe I’m just reading too much into it.
    I would like to know more of the WUJS stance on the settler colonialist position in Zionism. According to Human Rights Watch, 2023 saw the highest number of settler attacks since they started collecting data on this in 2006. In my view, these acts committed by Israeli settlers and supported by the IDF are the reason that there are more anti-Zionist protests, such as Israeli Apartheid Week. I was shocked to hear that there were “Hamas, Hezbollah and PIJ” flags at these events, however I can’t seem to find any photographic evidence on this. I will concede that Israel as a state is not an apartheid state perse, mostly because they rarely allow Palestinians to enter the state (or return to their homeland if they leave).
    Does the WUJS support a ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza and the West Bank? Israel has, by current estimate, killed over 34000 people in Gaza since the October 7 attack, with over 13000 of that number being children under 18. These are the actions leading to the increased “antisemitism” or anti-Zionism. WUJS might be helping Jewish students, but ignoring the facts of what is happening in Palestine, they effectively condone the acts, leading to a negative outcome for people.

    1. G Avatar
      G

      Hi Katt,

      Thank you for taking the time to comment on my paper. I will answer your questions to the best of my ability.

      1. To explain the use of quotation marks – they are to signal the use of in-text citations throughout my paper. Whenever you see in-text citations, there is an author accredited. This author will match my reference list, found at the end of my paper. I can assure you, that no tone of voice was intended from any quotations, I was simply adhering to the referencing guidelines for this course. There is zero use of sarcasm throughout my paper. It would be simply inappropriate for such a serious and sensitive topic.

      2. In terms of you asking me “WUJS stance on the settler colonialist position in Zionism” (Jones, 2024). ((Note I’m using an in-text citation of your comment to give an example of their use. )) It’s difficult for me to speak on WUJS’s behalf without doing further research as it is quite an in-depth and complicated question. Generally speaking, Zionism comes in all different shapes and forms so to speak. Generally, Zionism involves the support of a Jewish national state – Israel.
      In terms of your using the words “settler colonialist” it is a very heavy and complicated statement (Jones, 2023). I am aware that South Africa has a court case against Israel for a similar matter, but it is ongoing. I’m also aware Israel would generally argue their right to self-defense. https://www.icj-cij.org/case/192 ((I’ve included a link on the court case. ))

      Generally speaking, WUJS is a union organization that supports Israel’s right to exist and the right of Jewish people to live in Israel if they please. I would not be able to ascertain WUJS’s views on your full question without essentially writing another essay. However, I don’t believe WUJS would view Zionism as a “settler colonist” position as you described (Jones, 2024). Instead, Zionism in WUJS’s view is more about Jewish people having a place to go (Israel) no matter what oppression or antisemitism they may face elsewhere.

      3. In response to your saying “Human Rights Watch, 2023 saw the highest number of settler attacks” (Jones, 2024) this is of course upsetting to hear. If you could share a link to the source of this statement I’d be open to learning more. When you use the term “Israeli settlers” I don’t believe WUJS would view the state of Israel or its citizens in the same manner (Jones, 2024).
      I can say that WUJS is completely against Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) as seen in the Instagram statement screenshot in my essay. In terms of photographic evidence, I don’t believe WUJS can or wants to circulate terrorist flag imagery, but I implore you to look into IAW yourself. Here is an article I have found that you can read as a starting point, but please note I haven’t referenced it in my paper. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r100mkcug3

      4. “Does the WUJS support a ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza and the West Bank?” (Jones, 2024). This question goes a little beyond my research but from this post on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/C5t0tRrNhCB/?img_index=2
      WUJS states they support Israel after Iran’s attacks. WUJS supports the release of all hostages being held in Gaza and from what I understand, any deals that can be made for this to happen including a ceasefire. I implore you to check out their Instagram which I have linked to learn more.

      5. “These are the actions leading to the increased “antisemitism” or anti-Zionism. ” (Jones, 2024). WUJS unequivocally condemns anti-Semitism and all forms of religious or other discrimination. As my paper states, WUJS is providing legal aid for Jewish students who are being spat on, cursed at, given death threats, and worse. To be clear, WUJS is against Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Therefore, saying that the ongoing conflict has created increased antisemitism is both correct and a horrible outcome of this ongoing war in Israel and Gaza.

      6. ” but ignoring the facts of what is happening in Palestine, they effectively condone the acts, leading to a negative outcome for people.” (Jones, 2024). This statement goes beyond my research but I can say WUJS promotes peace and the release of hostages to Israel. WUJS completely condemns Hamas, the terror group Israel is at war with. I can also say that WUJS does not condone “negativity” towards anyone as you say and simply want peace and the Israeli war prisoners/hostages back home. As I explained in my essay, these hostages are being sexually tortured and are at grave risk.
      Of course, the mass death toll in Gaza is an overwhelming tragedy in itself that cannot be overlooked.

      At the end of the day, WUJS supports peace in Israel and the safety of all its citizens regardless of their heritage.

  3. 20543556@student.curtin.edu.au Avatar
    20543556@student.curtin.edu.au

    Hey G,

    This was an interesting read and topic. I believe talking about the The World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) supports positive social change for students globally during times of conflict is such an important topic, you managed to explain your point of view well and were clear with the direction you were heading in. The implementation of the imagery created a clear visual for what you were depicting.

    Do you think the social change will happen in the near future?

    Overall, this was an informative paper. Greab job!

    Thanks,
    Emma

    1. G Avatar
      G

      Hi, Thank you for your comment.
      To answer your question: “Do you think social change will happen in the near future?”

      Referencing this article:
      https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/07/israel-rafah-ceasefire-talks-hamas
      I have hope that a ceasefire will eventually take place, as it is currently in discussion, concerning the Israel-Gaza war.

      In terms of social change for Jewish university and college students feeling safer on campus, I think there’s a long way to go. WUJS offering legal aid to students who experience antisemitism is a great first step. Yet, I believe universities, including Curtin need to do more to make Jewish students feel welcome and safe. The guild that represents Curtin students is overwhelmingly pro-Palestine. While the majority of Curtin students may hold these views, many don’t (Jewish or otherwise).

      With events like the encampment at Curtin University currently going on, Curtin needs to make Jewish students feel safe on campus and like their education won’t be compromised. Curtin’s silence may make Jewish students during this encampment feel unsafe on campus due to the potential for riots or violence.

      Referring to this article: https://www.ajc.org/news/what-does-globalize-the-intifada-mean-and-how-can-it-lead-to-targeting-jews-with-violence
      Problematic aspects of these encampments have popped up worldwide. The word “Infada” painted on many encampment tents has antisemitic implications.
      Infada means “shake it off” literally in Arabic, however, the term is also used to spark violence and hate towards pro-Israeli and Jewish people. Therefore, I along with WUJS for this reason and more completely condemn these encampments due to the risk of violence and antisemitism (hate toward Jews).
      Universities and colleges should be safe spaces and allow free speech, however, this is *not* at the expense of student’s safety and well-being.
      Currently, as a Jewish student, I do not feel welcome, safe, or properly represented by Curtin University. They have remained silent on all these unfolding events and I believe that is to their detriment. They risk loosing many students, contracts, teachers and their support.

      Therefore, I believe Universities need to work with organizations like WUJS to implement concrete social change for equality and safety on campuses. As of current, WUJS has been largely ignored by university institutions (Curtin included) which I believe is discriminatory.

  4. katelyn.rolfe Avatar
    katelyn.rolfe

    Hi G,

    So sorry this is such a late comment — I noticed while looking through the comments section on the backend of the site that yours has so little comments and I wish I’d seen your article earlier 🙁

    If you have time to answer before 5pm AWST, my question is: which platform is the hashtag public #BBOG most popular on?

    Katelyn

    1. katelyn.rolfe Avatar
      katelyn.rolfe

      For my observations on your paper:

      You’ve done a good job outlining the social change WUJS fights to bring about. It’s horrible that Jewish students have to fear for their lives now when they go onto campus, or any Jews when they go out in general. I think it could have been beneficial to your paper to go deeper into the definitions of the key concepts ‘hashtag publics’ and ‘social change’ at the beginning of your paper.

      Katelyn

      1. G Avatar
        G

        Thank you for your feedback!
        Given I had more time for the conference I would revise my paper further.
        I’m glad to be able to bring to light a fraction of what Jewish students are experiencing – it is simply wrong.
        Surrounding’ hashtag public’ and ‘social change’ terms, I agree I could have defined these concepts more clearly.

        Thank you again!

    2. G Avatar
      G

      Hi Katelyn,

      I’ll try my best to answer your question before the conference ends!
      Referring to this link:
      https://participedia.net/case/13118

      The #BringBackOurGirls or #BBOG hashtag, was founded on Twitter concerning the Boko Haram abductions.
      I’m unsure what platform the hashtag is most prevalent on, as this goes beyond the scope of my research.
      However, I can tell you that I have widely seen it used on Instagram, in the manner in which WUJS used it. In the WUJS post, people hold up signs with the hashtag, which mirrors Michelle Obama’s Twitter post from nearly a decade ago. The point of #BBOG is for public outreach and to put pressure on the Israeli government and IDF to make a deal to release the hostages. Most Israelis and WUJS will take any deal for the safe return of the hostages, who are being put through sexual violence, starvation, and torture. I also acknowledge the suffering of the Palestinian people and those in Gaza as a dire issue as well. All lives matter, and ultimately WUJS and Israel want peace, which is NOT what Hamas represents.

      I have seen people hold up #BBOG papers on Instagram, and share information about the hostages to Instagram and their stories in support of the cause. The release of all Israeli hostages and complete condemnation of Hamas’s actions is the main message.

      On Instagram i currently see over 250,000 posts using the hashtag #BBOG.

      1. katelyn.rolfe Avatar
        katelyn.rolfe

        Hey G,

        Thanks for replying! I’m glad we got this conversation in before 5 — yay!!

        Oh okay, no worries that it’s outside your scope of research. Thanks for such a thorough answer anyway! over 250K posts on Instagram is quite a lot still! 🙂 I absolutely agree with you — the suffering on both sides is awful and all lives certainly matter. The fact that Hamas initiated the conflict says it all, really. I wonder if Michelle Obama would be as outspoken about this issue now.

        Katelyn

        1. G Avatar
          G

          Hi Katelyn,
          I completely agree with what you’ve said.
          That’s an interesting point about Michelle Obama speaking up about the Israel-Gaza conflict. I am unsure if she has at this moment. I understand Obama is no longer president but they are still an influential family with a high profile. People with large social influence like Obama speaking out on this injustice would certainly create positive social change for Jewish students!
          I would hope more people would show support for the release of the Israeli hostages, a ceasefire, and peace in general. War brings mass casualties, where peace should be the goal.

          All the best with the rest of the unit! I’ve learnt a lot from all these papers as I’m sure you have. I feel I’ve broken out of any information bubbles I was in (intellectual isolation).

          1. katelyn.rolfe Avatar
            katelyn.rolfe

            Hi G,

            They absolutely would help the cause. I hope they are still allies.

            I agree 100%

            Thanks G!

            Katelyn

  5. Coralie Avatar
    Coralie

    Hi G, your conference paper have similar subject with mine. It is quite interesting to have different perspectives. Do you think that the multifaceted role of WUJS in confronting the challenges faced by Jewish students, particularly in terms of online advocacy and the promotion of positive social change through platforms like Instagram?

  6. Desi Marliani Avatar
    Desi Marliani

    Hi G, 
    It is an interesting and sensitive read. I do notice above that you mention Israeli apartheid and Boko Haram as Nigeria’s Islamic extremists. Before I continue with my question, I would appreciate it if you addressed Boko Haram as a militant extremist group based in Nigeria instead of mentioning the religion, as no religion teaches such what he has done. As we all know, “Israeli apartheid” refers to criticisms of certain Israeli policies, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories. It’s not about the Jewish people as a whole being proponents of apartheid, if that makes sense. Then let’s move on to my question, which concerns the WUJS’s efforts to uphold peace relations worldwide during this period, a challenging task given the widespread association of Jews with Israel. How is WUJS maintaining the relationship between the Zionist community and the pro-Palestinian, where the circumstances are sensitive now?

    Is it true that the solidarity encampment created a culture of fear among Jewish students? 

    I wish you good luck with your paper and study 🙂

    Kind regards,
    Desi

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