One of the most dispiriting aspects of the drip, drip, drip of anti-Israel poison into the ether is that it seems endless. Admirable work is done by groups such as BICOM, Just Journalism, the various Friends of Israel and myriad other such organisations. But it often feels like a David and Goliath fight. We are always on the back foot.
So it is with some sense of expectation that we report the letter sent on behalf of Ronnie Fraser, a UCU member and director of Academic Friends of Israel, and his readiness to take on the union in the courts if need be. Given the UCU's clear antisemitic behaviour so far, it seems unlikely that its leadership will have an overnight change of attitude and sudden return to decency. In which case, we could be set for this decade's version of the Irving trial - a specific case which acts to crystallise broader themes and issues. Legal action is usually something to be avoided at all costs. But sometimes it is unavoidable. This may now be one of those times, and one of those issues. If reason will not affect the UCU, let the law do its job.
