See what support is available for anyone impacted by the conflict in Israel, Palestine and Gaza
BCUSU would like to raise awareness to the available services at BCU and wider for students impacted by ongoing events in Israel and Gaza.
At BCU we pride ourselves of having a diverse community, with a large proportion of our students living in and around Birmingham and West Midlands, alongside an enthusiastic number of international students from across the world.
This is why it is important for us to acknowledge global issues, like the devastating incidents in Israel and Gaza over the last few weeks, as it may impact any number of students at BCU. Thank you to those of you who have reached out already, we really appreciate the time you’ve taken to contact us and share your views.
One of BCUSU’s main priorities is to provide students with inclusive safe spaces to engage with their community and to develop a sense of belonging. Since the recent conflict in the Middle East the UK has seen a rise in instances of racism, antisemitism and islamophobia.
We would like to call for a continuation of harmony across our campuses and draw your attention to support that is available for anyone impacted by the conflict.
Emotional support and safety
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BCU’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Team – is available for appointments via iCity. Also contactable through at SA.wellbeing@bcu.ac.uk or on 0121 331 5188.
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Chaplaincy – for spiritual and religious support, BCU’s Chaplain service are available. There are dedicated Faith Spaces on campus too
- Report and Support Tool - you can log incidents of harassment, bullying, sexual assault/misconduct, discrimination and hate crime using the University's Report and Support Tool. If you witness or are a victim of antisemitism or islamophobia, please report through here.
- BCU Security - if you're on campus and need help, you can contact BCU Security at 0121 331 6969. Call 999 in an emergency.
Academic Support
It is uncertain when conflict in the Middle East will end and if you think this will impact your ability to study, consider making a claim for extenuating circumstances. This is for when unforeseen or unpreventable events outside of your control can affect your academic performance.
A claim could provide you with deadline extensions or another assessment attempt.
You can apply through mySRS, but make sure you check our Advice Team’s guidance so you supply all the required information.
For help submitting a claim
Travel to affected countries
For any family members or friends you have in Israel and Palestinian Territories, including Gaza, they can register their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Then, important updates including information to leave the country will be shared. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Isreal and Occupied Palestinian Territories, and against all travel to Gaza and surrounding areas.
Supporting Jewish students
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Supporting Islamic students
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Birmingham JSoc cover a range of social events, cultural activities and educational programmes for Jewish students across Birmingham. Check out their page for local synagogue information and for their social media links to get involved
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The Union of Jewish Students have a hotline on 020 7424 3288
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Community Security Trust is a charity which protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats, and is available at 0800 032 3263
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BCUSU Islamic Society are active at BCU and members can connect with each other through events, activities and talks on campus
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TellMAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) is a secure service to report any form of anti-muslim abuse. Available on 0800 456 1226 and info@tellmamauk.org
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Our Officer Team and staff team are not experts on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, but as your Students’ Union we have a duty to inform you of issues related to the war and how it may impact our community at BCU.
What is antisemitism?
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What is Islamophobia?
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Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jewish people. Antisemitism can be directed toward: Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, community institutions and religious facilities.
Under UK law, antisemitism is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others.
Antisemitic hate crimes are criminal acts when the target has been selected due to being Jewish or having a perceived link to be Jewish.
We have used the International Holocaust Remembrance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
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Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.
Types of intervention that will be Islamophobic include: causing, calling for, aiding or justifying acts of aggression against Muslims; dehumanising, demonising or making stereotypical allegations about Muslims and prescribing to/propagating conspiracy theories about Muslims.
We have used definitions from Muslim Council of Britain and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims.
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Join the humanitarian effort
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UNICEF – international charity that works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives and protect their rights. UNICEF are calling for an immediate ceasefire and are in Gaza providing life-saving humanitarian support. Make a donation to help provide medical equipment, food, fuel and access to safe drinking water.
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British Red Cross – charity which helps people around the UK and the world when crisis strikes. Staff and volunteers, including 1,500 ambulances and 10,000 first responders, have been on the ground since violence broke out and have been leading the response to the emergency by providing urgent medical aid, ambulance support and first aid.