Statement on Israel-Palestine

Published Mon 9 Oct 2023 15:20

We want to address the recent events in Israel and Palestine, and their impact on our student body. We understand that these events are distressing and will affect many of our students, both emotionally and mentally.

UEA Students’ Union is deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in the region and its implications for our students. We want to emphasise that we are here to support you throughout this period. Our message to all students is simple: if you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, please reach out to us - we are here to help.

We have always been committed to promoting open and respectful dialogue between our students. We believe that informed discussions help us to better understand complex issues and hopefully, in time, bridge divides. If you have questions or concerns, or are upset about this, we are here to provide information and resources to assist you.

It is worth remembering that Jewish people are not responsible for the Israeli government and Palestinian people are not responsible for the actions of Hamas. No one in our UEA community is accountable for these actions, and they should not be held responsible.

Please remember that you are not alone, and your welfare is important to us. If you are in need of emotional support, or simply want to connect with others who may share your concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via our social media, email, or in person. We are here to listen, provide guidance, and create unity within our diverse community.

In these challenging times, let us stand together, support one another, and strive for understanding, empathy, and acceptance.

Your officer team,

Luke Johnson - Activities and Opportunities Officer

Nathan Wyatt - Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer

Elise Page - Postgraduate Officer

Taylor Sounes - Undergraduate Education Officer

Serene Shibli Sexton - Campaigns and Democracy Officer

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