United with Israel

University of Lancaster Students Reject Motion to Boycott Israeli Products

Anti-Israel demo London

Pro-Palestinian protesters in London. (AP/Lefteris Pitarakis)

The majority of the student body at the University of Lancaster in England demonstrated their indifference to anti-Israel activists who tried to harm the Jewish State.

A motion to boycott Israeli companies has been defeated at the University of Lancaster, with mostly abstentions, the UK’s Jewish News reported Tuesday.

The vote to boycott a group of Israeli companies failed with 752 votes in favor, 545 against and 787 abstaining, meaning the motion failed to pass.

Israeli companies targeted in the motion included Medjoul dates, Ahava Dead Sea products, Soda Stream, Eden Springs, Israeli Wines, Hewlett Packard, Caterpillar, Volvo, Hyundai and G4S.

Russell Langer, Campaigns Director at the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) said they were “pleased to hear” that students rejected “an attempt to introduce a BDS policy.” He was referring to the anti-Israel Boycott, Sanctions and Divest (BDS) movement.

“Like other campuses in the UK, the low voter turnout, as well as the high number of abstentions, show that students do not feel that their students’ union should be taking this divisive and ineffective stance on the conflict, instead encouraging dialogue, debate, and education around the issue,” Langer pointed out.

He added that despite the small size of Lancaster’s Jewish Society, its members were still able to “stand up strongly against negative boycott tactics promoted in their union. UJS will continue to work with Lancaster J-Soc in creating dialogue and promoting peace on their campus.”

Lancaster U’s website claimed that the high number of abstentions “is a clear indication that a significant section of our membership felt unable to make a judgment on this issue.”

A spokesperson from the Lancaster Jewish Society told the Jewish News: “We are very relieved BDS was not passed in our students Union.”

University campuses have become a hotbed for anti-Israel activity, with several students bodies introducing anti-Israel and pro-boycotts resolutions. In most cases, the resolutions are declarative and non-binding for the universities themselves.

A recent the Anti Defamation League (ADL) report shows that there has been a 30% increase in anti-Israel activity and anti-Semitic activities on US campuses over the course of the 2014-2015 academic.

By: United with Israel Staff

Send 'Warm Winter' Care Packages to Israeli Soldiers - They are Cold!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to defend the citizens of Israel.

Join us in sending winter care packages and personal notes of support to Israeli soldiers who are out in the cold all day.

Warm up a soldier's heart with essential winter wear including fleece jackets. Keep an entire unit warm by ordering 10 packages... The soldiers truly appreciate your love and concern!

CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR GIFT AND NOTE TO IDF SOLDIERS!

Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!

Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!

Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.

Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!

STAND WTH ISRAEL - MAKE A DONATION TODAY!

Exit mobile version