ANU investigating reporting of Nazi salute, death threats against Jewish students on campus as pro-Palestine encampment continues
A student protest prompting a counter protest. Jewish students allege death threats and a Nazi salute were made, which the ABC has been unable to verify. It’s also unclear if members of the encampment were involved. Jews are extremely unhappy on campus, feel extremely unsafe and we don’t feel that the university is is going to do anything about it. The university told the ABC it’s investigating the allegations and said it does not condone any speech that is discriminatory or violates Australian law or our code of conduct. Necessary disciplinary action may be taken if our codes are breached. This campus protest is highly visible and increasingly divisive. Banners, placards and signs are prominent. Their messages mixed, causing distress to some Jewish students. I want peace in the region. This does nothing to help it. All it does is make Jews on campus feel unsafe and miserable. The encampment was formed by various groups on campus, including the ANU Students Association. Yeah, it is a confronting issue and it is an upsetting issue, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t have the conversations. Protest material is being posted beyond the boundaries of the encampments and is responded to swiftly. On this Mayday, unions showed their solidarity with the protest. While some Jewish students are upset and offended by the encampment and protests like this, others are getting involved. I’ve been so immensely welcomed in this community and I’ve never felt more like, supported and welcomed in my life. Anna has camped overnight at the protest and is involved with organizing it. People being against the Israeli government is not. People being against the Jewish people. Divided opinion on a divided campus.