Israel & Zionism Society of Exeter Speak Out Against Anti-Semitic Incident

By: CAMERA Staff

Update (9/27/2023 at 1 PM ET):  We have been made aware of the cooperation of the University of Exeter, who has agreed to fully investigate the incident that took place on 26/9/2023. CAMERA on Campus UK commends the swift action of the university in taking discrimination and harassment of the Jewish community seriously as they would any other minority group. No students should be targeted for expressing their identity on campus. We stand with the Jewish and pro-Israel community at the University of Exeter and pledge our full support for their right to be proud of their Jewish identity and longstanding connection to the State of Israel.

Above is a screenshot of the comment by the official University of Exeter account on an Instagram post with the statement published by the Israel & Zionism Society (see the section below titled “CAMERA on Campus UK Condemns Antisemitic Incident at the University of Exeter and Stands with the Israel & Zionism Society” for context).

Here is the University of Exeter’s comment transcribed for readability.

We can confirm that we met with the students affected and received a report of an incident that took place in the Forum, and have launched an immediate investigation. We have worked with the students to ensure that whilst the investigation is underway, they have the support they need.

The University is committed to eradicating any instances of discrimination, including Antisemitism, and harassment that may arise. We continue to work to ensure an open, diverse and safe community for all our students, staff, and visitors and would encourage anyone who may experience any abhorrent behaviour to report it immediately.

On September 26th, members of the Israel & Zionism Society of Exeter were verbally harassed while tabling on campus. We fully support the Israel & Zionism Society’s request for a full investigation into the incident.

Find their statement below:

The Israeli and Zionist Society is disheartened to hear about the verbal abuse that took place towards our treasurer, Sena-Rojin Cantay, and Harry Stock, president while they held a stall today.

Both Sena-Rojin and Harry were referred to as “baby killers” due to their support for the State of Israel and defending measures the IDF takes to keep civilians out of harm’s way.

In addition, their accusers also invoked antisemitic blood libels, alleging that Sena-Rojin and Harry support the murder of Palestinians. They also claimed the State of Israel is “built on the blood of Palestinians.”

The students who verbally abused Sena-Rojin and Harry also denied that Hamas is a terrorist organization. Despite the fact that the UK government proscribed Hamas a terrorist organization. It is worrying to hear that students on UK campuses support this terror group that actively calls for the annihilation of the only Jewish state in the world.

It is sad that Jewish and Zionist students are not allowed to voice their opinions on campus without fear and intimidation. We call on the University of Exeter to undertake a formal investigation into the students who undertook this verbal attack on our students.

(CAMERA.org)