Cambridge University debate descends into farce after motion calling for solidarity with Palestine was stopped amid concerns it risked ‘inciting violence’

• Motion tabled last night blamed war on ‘decades of violent oppression’ by Israel

A Cambridge University debate descended into farce after a motion calling for solidarity with Palestine was prematurely stopped amid concerns its proposer risked ‘inciting violence’.

The Students Union President, Fergus Kirman last night said he was ‘astonished and appalled’ by the motion and has completely edited the wording, following a mammoth backlash from Jewish students.

The motion, which was heard at the Cambridge Student Union on Monday, blamed the war between Israel and Hamas on ‘decades of violent oppression of the Palestinian people by the Israeli state’.

It added: ‘The Student Union resolves itself […] to condemn the British government’s support for the Israeli state and the distortions of the mainstream media in Britain in its coverage of this conflict.’

The motion concluded: ‘Only a mass uprising on both sides of the green line and across the Middle East can free the Palestinian people.’

The President of Cambridge Student Union Fergus Kirman said he was ‘shocked and astonished’ at a motion tabled last night blaming the war between Israel and Hamas on ‘decades of violent oppression of the Palestinian people by the Israeli state

The motion concluded that only a ‘mass uprising’ could free the Palestinian people, and was stopped following concerns that it risked ‘inciting violence’

When asked to define a ‘mass uprising’ by a student who attended the debate, proposer of the motion, Anais Austen Stanley said: ‘think back to the First Intifada’.

The First Intifada refers to a series of terror attacks in Israel which primarily targeted civilians and led to the murder of hundreds of Israelis.

Chair of the debate Benjamin Knight was forced to intervene and prevent Anais from answering the question further, over concerns that it would lead to ‘the incitement of violence’.

Interrupting Stanley he said: ‘This is getting close to a discussion on the incitement of violence and we would like to not cross that line.

‘We would like to not put any student member into a position where to answer a question they are going to have to incite violence.’

A statement published yesterday by the Union of Jewish students urged Cambridge Students Union to dismiss the motion and issue a public apology to Jewish students at Cambridge.

UJS has also called on the University of Cambridge to investigate Cambridge SU, the original motion and the speech given in favour of the motion.

Cambridge JSOC added: ‘For the Cambridge SU to consider debating a motion calling for a “mass uprising” is an absolute disgrace.

‘Jewish students in Cambridge deserve to learn in a safe and inclusive environment, without the murders of their relatives and friends being debated.’

Last night Israeli student Einav Grushk said: ‘Cambridge Student Union once again has shown blatant disregard for all Israeli and Jewish students.

Students were unable to vote on the motion at the meeting on Monday as not enough people attended to pass the threshold to validate the vote.

It is believed the amended version of the motion will be heard at the Cambridge Student Union again, in around two weeks time.

It is thought that the Student Union will debate the amended version in around two weeks time. Members of the UCU at Oxford are also due to vote on a similar motion on Thursday calling for a ‘mass uprising’

Oxford UCU members are also due to debate and vote on a version of the unamended motion at a general meeting on Thursday that similarly calls for a ‘mass uprising’ of Palestinian people.

Last night UJS and Oxford JSOC published a joint statement ahead of the planned UCU branch meeting where academics are expected to debate a motion calling for a ‘mass uprising’ and an ‘intifada until victory’.

It states: ‘Since Hamas’ brutal attack on October 7, Jewish students at Oxford have been intimidated, harassed and faced anti semitic abuse.

‘To call for this form of mass-violence is at any time unconscionable. However, to call for this kind of violence at a time when Jewish students in our community are being harassed shows an utter disregard for antisemitism.

‘We call on UCU to dismiss this appalling motion rather than debating the murder of innocent civilians.

The Cambridge Student Union did not respond to a request for comment.

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