Student Solidarity Encampments for Gaza at the University of Birmingham

Students at institutions across the country have been camping out for several weeks to protest the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The University of Birmingham organized an encampment for Palestine in May 2024, which the students called the “Birmingham Liberated Zone.”

On Sunday, May 12, 2024, Rabbi Elhanan Beck from Neturei Karta UK spoke at the University of Birmingham during the student encampment in support of Gaza. Rabbi Beck explained that the situation in Gaza is not a war but a genocide, emphasizing that it is the duty of every human being to stand up against such atrocities. He further elaborated on the deep opposition of religious Jews to Zionism, highlighting that this resistance has been upheld by Jewish rabbis since the inception of “the evil movement” of Zionism. Rabbi Beck concluded by stating his belief that Israel will eventually come to an end.

Rabbi Haim Sofer also addressed the crowd, explaining how Zionism has destroyed the previously harmonious relationship between Jews and Muslims. He detailed the peaceful coexistence of Jews in Arab countries before the rise of Zionism.

After the speeches, students had the opportunity to engage with the rabbis, expressing their appreciation for the anti-Zionist Jewish stance.