Union plan for a year of success

UNION OF Jewish Students campaigns director Russell Langer has predicted a positive year ahead for students, despite the increased number of anti-Israel motions at student unions over the course of the last year.

“I think Jewish students are going to have another successful year on campus,” Mr Langer said. “We are probably going to see a continuing trend of BDS motions, but only a few Jewish students will be affected.

“I am here to work with them when there are problems that arise. For the most part students will have a good time.”

Mr Langer said UJS had improved the material it provided to students who planned to oppose boycott motions. It has prepared literature to be tailored for use at different student unions when needed.

On the possible impact on campuses following the election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, Mr Langer said: “I think the views he has expressed are becoming more mainstream, but I don’t think it is anything new to the student movement. If anything, the rest of the Labour Party is coming more in line with the student movement.”

UJS’s key campaign this year will be its Jewish Experience Week, following the success of the project in 2014. It is due to run in the last week of October and will see Jewish Societies across the country set up stalls on campus and invite non-Jewish students to find out about Jewish culture.

As part of the scheme JSocs offer a chance to taste traditional Jewish food, read about Jews from around the world and ask questions.