Oxford JSoc

Yom Kippur arrangements

It is exciting to have some of the High Holy Days during term: Yom Kippur is Tue-Wed of 0th Week.
We will have a full programme ready: Pre-fast meal, a variety of congregational services, breaking of the fast.

For more information, please join the Oxford JSoc Facebook group!

Just 12 hours to go until Jewbilation HT22 and there are still a few tickets left! Grab yours for what promises to be a night of drinking, laughing, and plenty of Moshiach dancing.

https://fixr.co/event/716746481...

Jewbilation HT22 tickets on Tuesday 8 Mar | Oxford JSoc | FIXR Buy tickets to Jewbilation HT22 on Tuesday 8 Mar at The Varsity Club | FIXR

Congratulations Uri!

Oxford JSoc and UJS statement regarding the recent donations from The Alexander Mosley Trust:

'Oxford JSoc and UJS are distressed by the news that Oxford University and some of its constituent colleges have accepted donations from The Alexander Mosley Trust.

The Mosley Family name is synonymous with Fascism and Antisemitism in Britain. The University’s decision to dedicate a professorship to this name serves to commemorate and revere the Mosley legacy.

Furthermore, the absence of any communication and consultation with Oxford’s Jewish students is inconsiderate and inappropriate.

We encourage Oxford University, and the benefitting colleges, to reflect on the impact these donations will have on its Jewish students and the wider student body.

As an institution that seeks to promote an inclusive environment for all, we hope that Oxford University and the colleges involved will reconsider their positions.'

JSoc statement regarding the recent rise in antisemitism:

'Oxford University Jewish Society condemns the rising antisemitism faced by students at the University over the last few weeks.

The Community Security Trust (CST) has reported a 500% increase in antisemitic incidents over the last fortnight. Antisemitic instances in the past few weeks that have detrimentally impacted Jewish students include a convoy driving through Jewish neighbourhoods blasting antisemitic threats; attacks on Jewish diners at restaurants; and the defacing of synagogues.

In Oxford, there have been reports of individuals calling for the extermination of Jews, and with shockingly little acknowledgement or support for the personal hurt and distress that Jewish students have endured as part of the escalating violence.

There have been J/MCR statements that entirely omit the lived experiences of Jewish students. J/MCRs have a duty of care to all of their members and should consult widely before making statements to avoid alienating Jewish students.

It goes without saying that no Jewish individual should feel threatened by or held accountable for a complex geopolitical conflict and the actions of foreign governments over which they have no control.

We are committed to supporting Jewish students in Oxford against any form of antisemitic abuse. Both the JSoc and the Jewish Chaplaincy will continue to create a safe space for Jewish students, and provide welfare and assistance to those who have been affected by recent events.

We encourage everyone to report all incidents of antisemitism to us directly or the CST at [email protected]. '

James Onona,
President

Ore Gazit,
Vice President

Statement regarding tonight's event with Ken Loach at St Peter's College:

'Oxford University Jewish Society is deeply disappointed by the decision of Professor Judith Buchanan, Master of St Peter’s College, to host an event with filmmaker Ken Loach. On numerous occasions, Loach has made remarks that are antisemitic under the IHRA definition, which was recently adopted by the University of Oxford.

Over the weekend, Jewish students at St Peter’s met with Professor Buchanan to express their upset and dismay at the event’s happening. In spite of this, Ken Loach is still due to speak this evening, a decision which we condemn.

The Jewish Society will always do its utmost to protect the welfare of Jewish Students in Oxford. It is concerning that on this occasion, the leadership at St Peter’s College has not shared this sentiment.'

Samuel Benjamin,
President

James Onona,
Vice President

For further information about Ken Loach's remarks and St Peter's response, see this document compiled by students at St Peter's:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d2pc-DEtyOmy6IQXgQI1UvhlZEbUE6EGpydNgiFkaOA/edit

✡️HILARY TERM WEEK 1 EVENTS CARD ✡️

A statement regarding the University of Oxford's adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism:

'Oxford University Jewish Society is pleased that the University has officially adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. In doing so, it joins the growing number of universities across the country in adopting a definition that is crucial in combatting prejudice and discrimination against Jews.

This marks a milestone in the University’s efforts to combat antisemitism, and serves as a significant step in safeguarding Jews on campus. We look forward to working with the University to implement further provisions for its Jewish students.'

Samuel Benjamin, President
James Onona, Vice President

This Sunday, from 11am to 3pm, we'll be in Radcliffe Square collecting food for Oxford Food Bank. We'd love people to drop by with donations of non-perishable items, which we'll then pass on to the food bank so that they can be given to those who need them most. For more details, including what you can donate, check out our event at https://www.facebook.com/events/395746281555183/

🚨 ORDER YOUR TERMCARD 🚨

JSoc is really excited to announce that we'll be printing termcards for this term very soon!
All you need to do to have your termcard delivered straight to your pidge by the JSoc committee is fill out the form at https://forms.gle/bAXgRxTcn4YM9sRT9 before 10am on Tuesday 29th September.

(Freshers, we'll be using a different system for you so no need to order using this form)

JSoc Termcard Sign-Up MT20 Please fill this form out by 10am on 29th Sept if you'd like a termcard delivered to your pidge! (non-freshers only)

We can't wait to answer all of your questions later this afternoon at Oxford's virtual open day! Join us at https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/virtual-open-day/open-day-information-centre/sports-clubs-and-societies-sept -tab--3 from 2-3pm to ask us anything about being Jewish in Oxford.