As Jewish academics, we reject the weaponisation of antisemitism
JVL Introduction
Three Jewish academics at Goldsmiths University, Michael Rosen, Catherine Rottenberg and Des Freedman, are very critical of their university’s handling of allegations of antisemitism.
Now subject to an action plan created without any consultation with staff and students, antisemitism is singled out from other forms of racism as requiring exceptional intervention.
The authors fear it could have the reverse effect.
As ever the underlying issue is Palestine. The problem is of course wider than Goldsmiths:
“Politicians, regulators and universities … are in danger of fanning the flames of antisemitism by wielding its threat to silence – and, in the case of the government, to criminalise – pro-Palestinian voices.”
RK
This article was originally published by the Times Higher Education on Thu 6 Nov 2025. Read the original here.
As Jewish academics, we reject the weaponisation of antisemitism
Universities should adopt proportionate anti-racist measures informed by the diverse voices of those most affected, say Michael Rosen, Catherine Rottenberg and Des Freedman
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Just a cnfirmation of the hiearchy of racism point in this excellent letter…
Following the murder in Pittsburg at the Tree of Life synagogue in October 2018, when 11 people were killed, the then chair of Witney Labour Party asked for a minute’s silence before the CLP all-members’ meeting started. Following the March 2019 massacre of 51 people at the Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, the CLP meeting with the same chair proceeded without mention of the event. When, at the end of the meeting, I pointed out this difference, I was attacked for accusing the chair of blindness to hate crimes directed at Muslims.
Well said Michael et al.
I am really appalled at the idea of the CAA and CST being given the freedom to provide mandatory antisemitism training to students, lecturers, school children, teachers and even NHS staff.
There is a real risk of political bias, as Forde pointed out. Even indoctrination with the excessive conflation between legitimate criticism of Israel’s war crimes and genocide and a hatred of Jewish people simply for being Jewish.
Of course Starmer’s Government would be supportive, as they also weaponise antisemitism to silence those who criticise their active participation in this cruel genocide.
This farce must be ended.
This article is exactly why I am a member of JVL (albeit with temporary problems of payment of dues rendered from overseas – in my case Spain). It absolutely shows how anti semitism has been weaponised. We stand with those Jewish friends and colleagues of good faith who – like JVL – deplore Zionism.