St Andrews

The newly-elected rector of St Andrews University is facing calls to apologise over an email accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

Stella Maris said Palestinians had suffered " apartheid, siege, illegal occupation and collective punishment" during the Israel-Gaza war.

Hundreds of students have demanded that She retract her remarks or resign just a month after taking up The Role .

St Andrews University said it was " dismayed" by the rector's comments.

The Role of rector, elected by students, is to provide pastoral support and represent The Student community at the university's governing body where the rector serves as president.

In a message to students sent on Tuesday, Ms Maris described how a vigil at the university was held earlier this month " following weeks of genocidal attacks by the Israeli government against Gaza".

She Said : " We must continue to recognize and condemn acts that are internationally regarded as humanitarian and War Crimes .

" It is also crucial to acknowledge and denounce the actions by Hamas that qualify as War Crimes , notably The Taking of hostages and deliberately targeting civilians, which I have and continue to do. "

The email also included a link to a website which carried A Story headlined: " The Evidence Israel killed its own citizens on Oct 7. "

Ms Maris has rejected accusations that The Message to students was antisemitic and argued her use of the terms genocide and apartheid were " supported by numerous Human Rights organizations".

, She Said : " While people may disagree with The Evidence presented, disagreement should be based on contradictory evidence, not simply because the notion is unpleasant. "

However, a large group of students at the university, which was founded in 1413 and is one of the oldest in the UK, insisted Ms Maris's comments " will only bring division and hatred".

They are now calling for her to apologise or step down.

In a letter to the rector, they say: " We Are concerned that your letter does not demonstrate equal care for Palestinian and Israeli lives.

" What is truly unacceptable is that you do not care to mention, let alone demonstrate regard for, the two St Andrews students who were recently attacked because of their religion.

" Moreover, your letter does not show any appreciation for how your inflammatory and unfounded accusations of 'genocide,' 'apartheid,' and 'occupation' concerning the Jewish State will further embolden attacks and hatred against the Jewish students whom you were elected to care for.

" It is unacceptable for the rector to be selective in their responsibility to represent all students. "

Ms Maris is a former English and philosophy graduate at the university and has since filled a series of student representation roles.

She was elected rector on 10 October.

Responding to Ms Maris's remarks, St Andrews University principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Dame Sally Mapstone , said the university was committed to free speech but that there was " No Place for antisemitism, Islamophobia, or racism of any kind".

She added: " We Are utterly dismayed that the rector, on this occasion, put her right to freedom of expression ahead of her duty to represent all students, and to be concerned for their welfare.

" We know that while some may have welcomed The Message , others have been deeply offended and concerned by it.

" While every one of us shares a desire for peace and an end to hostilities in Israel and Gaza, we regret that her message, the language it used, and some of the sources it cited have caused alarm, division, and harm in our community, and more widely. "

Source of news: bbc.com