The University of Oxford has suspended a student videoed chanting a call to “put Zionists in the ground” last weekend, with the police confirming that a 20-year old man has been arrested today “for inciting racial hatred.”
JewishNews (h/t Nita) German native, Samuel Williams, Politics, Philosophy and Economics undergraduate at Balliol College, had been identified as the individual videoed at a demonstration in central London on Saturday, appearing to praise what he described as “an upright, a steadfast and a noble resistance in Palestine and in Gaza to look to, to be inspired by.”
On Monday the Union of Jewish Students described itself as “horrified by the footage”, describing how “this violent rhetoric is unacceptable, with students calling for murder and employing a slur (“Zio”) coined by David Duke, former Grand Wizard of the KKK.”
Other online footage from the rally showed Mr Williams near the front of a group of protesters who were holding signs bearing messages including ‘Oxford University pick a side, justice or genocide’.
Williams also featured on a language-tutors site in which he described himself as “native German” with “a passion for German culture both old and modern”. He described his family as coming “from northern Bavaria, the town of Bayreuth (Wagner’s home town).”
Investigative journalist David Collier identified Williams’ Instagram account, which has now been made private – but not before Collier found pictures shared by Williams showing his pro-Palestinian activism, including a picture of a pro-Palestine march, including people standing on top of bus shelters while flying the Palestinian and Lebanese flags. Another appears to show Williams, with part of face concealed by his hands, wearing a scarf featuring the word “Palestine” and a Palestinian flag.
In the wake of the arrest announcement, UJS said:
“The Union of Jewish Students welcomes the news that decisive action has been taken against a University of Oxford student who called to “put the Zios in the ground”. Jewish students should never have to stand by as their peers glorify terrorism or incite hatred. Universities around the country should take note of this swift action. Institutions must end the culture of impunity that has allowed antisemitism to go unchecked on campus and take a firm, consistent stand against the glorification of terror.”
“Oxford University is unequivocal: there is no place for hatred, antisemitism or discrimination within our community, and we will always act to protect the safety and dignity of our students.”
ORIGINAL STORY: British authorities have no problem with pro-Hamas demonstrators chanting: “Gaza, Gaza, make us proud, put the zios in the ground.”
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