Conflict Between JöH and VSStÖ: Anti-Semitism Accusations and Controversial Chats

The Jewish Austrian University Students (JöH) accuse the Association of Socialist Students (VSStÖ) of anti-Semitism. The fact that the largest ÖH faction is boycotting the JöH is described as an "unimaginable low point" of anti-Semitic development, according to a statement on Wednesday. The interpretation of the red students upon APA inquiry is different: the JöH should take responsibility for "severely racist" chats in a group. It is not a "boycott".

Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Referred to as "Animals" in JöH Chats

On May 10, chats from a JöH group were published on an Instagram page, in which pro-Palestinian protesters were referred to as "animals" or "cockroaches". Subsequently, the VSStÖ of the University of Vienna informed the JöH that it was important for further cooperation that the JöH comment on the chats and that events of theirs would not be promoted until further notice. However, this does not constitute a boycott.

JöH Identifies "Textbook Cases of Anti-Semitism" at Vienna VSStÖ

With this, the VSStÖ wants to force a public statement from the JöH regarding the "anti-Semitic hate posting," the press release continued. However: "This statement will never be made." In the posting where the chats were published, Jewish students were referred to as a "genocidal monster that walks among us" and as the "lobby of the Zionist entity," "both statements are textbook cases of anti-Semitism," according to the JöH in the open letter. The chats originate from an open student WhatsApp group with over 400 members and were sanctioned or deleted in real-time by the JöH moderation, and the contents were clearly rejected by the members of the JöH.

The decision of the VSStÖ is part of "a series of incidents," for example, several chairpersons participated in a demonstration of a group that repeatedly spreads hate postings against the JöH. "Apparently, the VSStÖ does not have the university problems with antisemitism under control," said President Alon Ishay. According to JöH, the account that published the "hate posting" is also operated by VSStÖ officials, an accusation they denied upon APA inquiry.

VSStÖ Chairperson Amann: "Activists also oppose Netanyahu's war crimes"

"There is no place for antisemitism in the VSStÖ," emphasized Federal Chairperson Miriam Amann to the APA. "Our activists are politically active people who also oppose the war crimes and human rights violations by Netanyahu's government."

Generally positive relationship between factions, but clarification demanded

They maintain a "respectful" relationship with the JöH, and in the last ÖH period, they organized various events together. They want to continue the collaboration with the JöH, but only once they address the mentioned chats and a "review in the sense of an anti-racist approach has been conducted."

(APA/Red)

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