Campus activism connected to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict has turned nasty in recent months, with a rise in anti-Semitism being recorded across the UK and a national debate developing over when anti-Zionism becomes anti-Semitism.
Contentious Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) resolutions have been passed at Manchester University, the largest in the country, as well as at a number of London universities, while violent protests have broken out when pro-Israel speakers have visited campuses in London.
Last week, Maajid Nawaz discussed antisemitism at SOAS on his LBC programme and took calls from members of the public worried about the worsening situation for Jewish students, who feel that they are being suffocated when it comes to expressing their views on campus.
So, what is behind this deterioration in the situation?I firmly believe that pro-Palestinian student activism is something that all universities should ensure takes place on their campuses. However some of the off-campus groups influencing student Palestine Solidarity Societies are driving the development of a divisive atmosphere at some campuses.