An Oxford University student from Tunbridge Wells has been suspended after leading a chant at a pro-Palestinian rally that called for Gaza to “put the Zios in the ground.”
Samuel Williams, who studies Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Balliol College, is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police following the incident during a march in central London on Saturday, October 11.
Oxford University confirmed that Mr Williams has been suspended while the police inquiry is ongoing.
A university spokesperson said it condemned the language used “in the strongest possible terms”, adding:
“The University of Oxford condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any language urging violence against groups of people or expressing any form of racial hatred.
The university’s support for freedom of speech does not extend to any statements, including such language.
Oxford is unequivocal – there is no place for anti-Semitism, harassment, or discrimination within our community. We remain firmly committed to protecting the safety and dignity of all our students and staff.”
Speaking through a microphone at the march, Mr Williams told the crowd:
“A steadfast and noble resistance in Palestine and in Gaza to look to, to be inspired by and – I don’t want to yap for too long – but a chant that we’ve been workshopping in Oxford that maybe you guys want to join in.
It goes ‘Gaza, Gaza make us proud, put the Zios in the ground.’”
Video footage showed Mr Williams repeating the chant several times, using “Zio” as a shorthand for “Zionist”, while others around him joined in.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers are investigating chants made during the demonstration, which took place a day after a ceasefire was announced in Gaza. A spokesperson said:
“Officers are investigating chants made at the demonstration in central London on Saturday, October 11.”
Government ministers are understood to have been in contact with Oxford University about the incident. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said last week there had been an “unacceptable increase in anti-Semitism” at universities, warning that many Jewish students “do not feel safe on campus.”
She called on universities to strengthen protections for Jewish students and said the Government was providing funding for training to help institutions “tackle this poison of anti-Semitism.”
It remains unclear whether Mr Williams will be expelled if police find evidence of a criminal offence.
