ByNaomi Firsht, Naomi Firsht
1 min read
A student who held off violent pro-Palestinian protesters at a talk given by an Israeli former security chief has said he is worried a similar incident could happen again.
King's College London Israel Society vice-president Joseph Stoll said: "KCL Action for Palestine have interrupted our events in the past with the same goal of shutting down free speech and intimidating students.
"Unless those who are responsible are sanctioned, previous experience has taught us that it will not deter them from using intimidating methods to hinder our events in future."
Mr Stoll's comments came after King's College published the findings of its investigation into last month's incident.
Pro-Palestinian protesters forced their way into a building, shouted abuse at Jewish students, smashed a window and set off fire alarms to disrupt a talk by Ami Ayalon, former head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency, at an event organised by the university's Israel Society.
We continue to advocate for Israel and will not be deterred
Mr Stoll said he was concerned about this month's Israel Apartheid Week - an annual event during which anti-Israel students carry out stunts on campus. In the past, their actions have included setting up replica security walls and checkpoints, and carrying mock-up guns onto campus.
King's published its report last Friday and said in a statement that students who had "crossed a line" would be "held accountable".
A university spokesperson confirmed that "a disciplinary committee is being convened to hear charges of misconduct", but would not confirm how many students were involved.
Under the university's regulations, sanctions can range from a warning or fine to expulsion.
The report recommended that students from other universities who took part in the violence should not be allowed to attend future King's events.
Mr Stoll said: "We will continue to advocate for Israel on campus and not let this deter our spirit."
The Board of Deputies commended the investigation, stating: "Palestine societies and Action Palestine have now been exposed as harbouring individuals and views with such blind hatred of Israel that they resort to violence against people they disagree with. If they think they can bully and intimidate Jewish and other students on campus they could not be more wrong."
The Union of Jewish Students said the report would "reassure Jewish students at King's that appropriate action will be taken".
Mr Ayalon has accepted an invitation from King's to return to the university.
