NATFHE backs boycott of Israeli scholars

Louise Nousratpour in Blackpool
Tuesday May 30, 2006
The Morning Star

LECTURERS' union NATFHE delegates voted yesterday to boycott individual Israeli academics who are indifferent to their government's "apartheid and violent" policies, despite considerable disquiet from many members.

On the final day of conference in Blackpool, south-east delegate Tom Hickey moved the highly controversial motion, which critics warned would provoke a backlash and could even bring "dishonour" to the union.

Mr Hickey insisted that he was not calling for the academic boycott of Israel as union policy but was inviting members to "exercise their moral and professional responsiblity.

"Israeli scholars are overwhelmingly silent on Israel's apartheid policies and discriminatory educational practices," he argued.

"I urge members to consider the appropriateness of a boycott of those that do not publicly dissociate themselves from such policies."

Executive member Mary Davis denied suggestions that the Israeli academics were turning a blind eye.

"They are, in fact, at the core of a strong peace movement against the occupation and everything that comes with it," she said.

"If we are to boycott Israeli academics, should we then not take the same position against those from the US and Britain, many of whom have been silent on their own governments' warmongering?"

Ms Davis warned: "This is an attempt to elevate a tactic into a principle."

In an unusual step, outgoing NATFHE general secretary Paul Mackney made an emotional plea with the hope of defeating the motion.

"It seeks to put the burden on the individuals themselves and not collective action," he insisted.

"We need sustainable policies, such as campaigning to stop the sales of arms to the Israeli state, based on collective action."

Mr Mackney also argued that the call to boycott Israeli academics "lacks legitimacy" because it had not been discussed adequately by most union branches.

Mr Hickey rejected this argument, insisting that it had followed the same procedures as any other motion.

London delegate and Academic Friends for Israel chairman Ronnie Fraser also condemned the motion.

"This will pressure members into action that is undemocratic and McCarthyite in spirit. It will bring dishonour and sheer ridicule to our union," he stormed.

The resolution was carried by a majority of 53 per cent, while around 39 per cent opposed it.