Report by Charles Pottins (CharlesPottins@aol.com)

Jewish Socialists say the best way to help Palestinian education under siege is through positive assistance and solidarity. But at the same they accept targetted boycotting against specific institutions is legitimate, and condemn the witch-hunt launched against supporters of the AUT (Association of University Teachers) resolution. At its annual conference in London on May 15 the Jewish Socialists' Group adopted a resolution which says:

"This JSG conference salutes the efforts of Palestinian communities, students and educators to maintain and develop their education and cultural life under occupation, in defiance of frequent harassment, vandalism and repression. We support those Israelis in academic and other walks of life who strive for a just peace, solidarity, equality and enlightenment. We reaffirm our belief that the best way to assist Palestinian communities and institutions is through positive forms of help. But we know that political campaigning is also necessary, and accept tactics such as boycotts may be a legitimate form of solidarity, providing they are targeted and distinguish fairly between friend and foe. We oppose generalised 'cultural' boycotts which are both counter-productive and unjust.

We recognise that the recent resolution by the Association of University Teachers (AUT), to boycott two Israeli institutions, Haifa and Bar Ilan, marks an honest attempt to confront specific links between academic institutions and repressive or discriminatory policies. For this reason, we condemn the Zionist-led campaign to present the AUT resolution as not just 'anti-Israel' but 'anti-Jewish', and to incite hatred against its proposer. We especially oppose attempts anywhere to intimidate or witch-hunt people, and suppress legitimate debate."

For full details of this and other JSG conference resolutions, and how to join the JSG, or subscribe to Jewish Socialist magazine, contact: JSG@bardrose.dircon.co.uk or write to: JSG, BM3725, London WC1N 3XX