The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) welcomes the decision by the Charity Commission to open a probe into the City University Student Union relating to an attempt to drop the IHRA definition of antisemitism and to launch a BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) campaign against Israel.
The NJA also commends the National Union of Student (NUS) for suspending the presidency of Shima Dallali. Dallali has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation led by Rebecca Tuck KC into allegations of antisemitism in the NUS and more broadly.
Commenting on the Charity Commission’s decision, NJA Advisory Board Member Laurence Julius noted “We commend the Charity Commission for taking this action. The Commission fulfills an important rule in ensuring charities and their trustees act for the public benefit.”
In 2014 Dallali published a Tweet stating “Khaybar Khaybar O Jews… Muhammad’s army will return Gaza,” referring to a massacre of Jews in 628 AD. Dallali also penned an article in 2018 praising Muslim cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi, who has described the Holocaust as “divine punishment” for the Jews.
The NJA will continue to follow the investigation with interest and looks forward to the publication of its findings.
