JSOCS ARE TRYING TO ACT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THEIR MEMBERSHIP

Last week’s article about our decision not to host Brooke Goldstein on campus ( Jewish students cancel controversial lawyer’s invite, March 16) contained many misrepresentations.

The vitriol with which you attack us is beyond our comprehension. In what way is the JC speaking up for us on campus? Have you reported on the debates in which we seek to promote Israel in a positive light and create a greater understanding of the Middle East?

The JC can claim to understand what goes on on campus, however, we deal with it on a daily basis and are the only ones able to judge what activities we should host. Make no mistake, we are not hanging our heads in shame. Ilana Manuel President, Leeds Jsoc

Without commenting on the decision itself, attempts to intimidate Jewish student groups are unacceptable and offensive. All Jsocs are proud of their right to self-determine which speakers are appropriate. Attempts to disaffirm this right by external organisations seeking to promote their own aims are detrimental to the welfare of Jewish students. We implore the community to take a stand against such actions. We are proud to show solidarity with Leeds Jsoc. Emily Carp Manchester Jsoc campaigns officer Plus 27 UK Jewish and Israel societies emily.carp@student.manchester.ac.uk

Leeds Jsoc deprived students of an inspirational talk. Goldstein told other audiences how she studied the rights of children in international law and saw there was no discussion of the rights of children recruited to be suicide bombers. So she decided to document it in a film. She went to Nablus, Jenin and Tulkarm, interviewing murderers, grieving parents, and children brainwashed to want to die as “martyrs”. She exposed appalling crimes against these children.

She was cancelled because she acted as lawyer for Geert Wilders. She did not defend his views; she defended his fundamental right to free speech. Leeds Jsoc has shown disappointing judgment. Melvin Berwald Baker Street, London, W1U

We wish to express our firmly held view that regardless of whether one agrees with their decision, one must admire the resolve of these Jewish student leaders who dedicate their time voluntarily to improving Jewish student life on campus.

Rather than criticising and embarrassing them for trying to act in the best interests of their membership, we should be supporting, commending and thanking those who take an active role in simply trying to do the best they can with regard to the issues faced at their respective universities. Richard Benson, Sir Victor Blank, Sir Trevor Chinn, David Dangoor, Mick Davis, Lord Fink, Henry Grunwald, Lord Janner, Brian Kerner, Hilton Lorie, Jeremy Newmark, Leo Noe, Stephen Pack, Gerald Ronson

Jsocs should not feel bullied, but claiming that a Jsoc should be ashamed of its milquetoast decision is legitimate criticism. Can we really say that Jsocs have carte blanche to invite whomever they please? Were a Jsoc to invite a contentious speaker such as Avigdor Lieberman it would rightly provoke a public response.

It is within Leeds Jsoc’s mandate to cancel any speaker; equally communal organisations are entitled to offer a response.

The ZF should be praised for its support of Israel-related matters on campus. While we are proud to stand in solidarity with Jsocs across the UK, we believe that criticism by communal organisations is fair and necessary. Michael Bodansky Oxford University Jsoc president mbodansky@googlemail.com

I am sure other Leeds students would have been inspired by Goldstein’s work with some of the most vulnerable Palestinian women, many of whom have begged her to share their stories. Robert Jackman Middle Street, London, EC1A

These young people are our future. They struggle to address issues that are complex for us all. The students who are prepared to get involved with their local Jsocs are a small minority; many others remain detached from Jewish student life. Their commitment should be applauded and their efforts to engage in the debate encouraged, even if you disagree with this decision. Miriam Davis mdavis@ioe.ac.uk