Antisemitism Debate at the ÖH of the University of Vienna Continues

During an extraordinary meeting of the university representation, two largely similar proposals on the topic "Fight against Anti-Semitism" were put to a vote - however, both a motion by the Association of Socialist Students (VSStÖ) and one by the Green and Alternative Students (GRAS) failed due to the voting behavior of their respective opponents.

The extraordinary meeting was convened after GRAS left the red-green coalition alliance. The Greens accused the VSStÖ of failing in dealing with anti-Semitism. For example, at demonstrations on October 8 in front of the main building of the University of Vienna, slogans like "Intifada - only solution" were chanted and anti-Semitic symbols like the so-called "Hamas triangle" were displayed. However, on the official Instagram account of VSStÖ Vienna, solidarity with the event was expressed, and a later distancing did not occur. Other developments in a similar context "led to an alienation that from the perspective of GRAS Uni Wien is no longer bridgeable."

The VSStÖ initially rejected the anti-Semitism accusations and emphasized its "clear anti-fascist stance." Later, they admitted mistakes in the "Standard" - they did not want to show solidarity with the symbols and slogans displayed on October 8. The Instagram post was premature, and they primarily wanted to speak out against "police repression," said VSSTÖ Vienna chairwoman Zoe Ebner.

Mutual Rejection or Quorum Failure

At the special session of the university representation, the practically only item on the agenda was "Fight against Anti-Semitism" - however, it was relatively inconclusive. A motion by the VSStÖ, which among other things included mandatory anti-Semitism awareness training for volunteers, increased cooperation with the Jewish Austrian Students (JÖH), and a condemnation of Hamas as an anti-Semitic and fundamentalist terrorist organization, received 13 yes votes with 14 abstentions, but failed due to the missed quorum. Besides the VSSTÖ, only the student council lists voted for it.

A somewhat more extensive but similar motion by GRAS was completely rejected. In addition, the Communist Student Association - Left List (KSV-Lili), the ÖVP-affiliated Action Community (AG), and the Young Liberal Students (JUNOS) voted for it. This resulted in only twelve out of 27 votes, as this proposal was again rejected by VSSTÖ, student council lists, and the Communist Student Association - KJÖ (KSV-KJÖ).

Working Group Established

After long discussions, it was at least agreed to establish a working group against anti-Semitism.

In the university representation of the University of Vienna, the VSStÖ holds twelve of the 27 mandates, GRAS holds six, KSV-Lili holds three, the competing KSV-KJÖ and AG hold two each, and the student council lists and the Young Liberal Students (JUNOS) hold one each.

(APA/Red)

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