NUS president dismissed over anti-Semitism claimson November 1, 2022 at 5:34 pm

The National Union of Students (NUS) has dismissed its president, Shaima Dallali, over anti-Semitism claims.

It follows an independent code-of-conduct investigation after allegations were made against her.

The findings of a wider investigation into the NUS are yet to be published.

The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) said Ms Dallali’s election was “a symptom of a wider problem” in the NUS.

Ms Dallali was elected during the NUS’s National Conference in March, prompting concerns from Jewish students about her views.

In 2012, Ms Dallali posted a tweet that included an Arabic chant that referenced a massacre of Jews in the year AD 628, which she has since apologised for.

In a statement, Chloe Field, the acting chair of the NUS UK Board, said she was “proud to fight on behalf of all students”.

“I am determined to work together with the Union of Jewish Students to re-establish trust in our organisation and tackle some of the biggest issues facing students right now,” she said.

In statement, the UJS said it “respects” the decision.

But it added: “Anti-Semitism in the student movement goes beyond the actions of any one individual and this case is a symptom of a wider problem.

“Jewish students across the country will be asking how an individual deemed unfit for office by NUS was elected in the first place.”

In May, the government in England cut ties with the NUS because of concerns about anti-Semitism.

Michelle Donelan, who was universities minister at the time, said she was horrified that some Jewish students might feel ostracised by a group that should be a voice for all.