First protest since SU vote demanding end to partnership with Tel Aviv University

At 2pm on 9 December 2025, students gathered underneath the Whitworth Arch to protest the University of Manchester’s partnership with Tel Aviv University (TAU) and it's alleged involvement in the conflict in Gaza.

This is the first protest since a Students' Union vote which polled students on whether the University should end it's partnership with TAU. The vote saw 94% voting in favour of the policy.

Around 50 students from a “coalition” of student activist groups marched from Whitworth Hall to the Students’ Union, via Gilbert square, with speakers condemning the “sickening” University administration.

According to a representative of 'Action for Palestine', speaking to The Mancunion, there was University committee meeting ongoing prior to the protest, and a protestor had attempted to enter and speak at the meeting.

They went on to say that campaigners had previously tried multiple times to negotiate with the University committee on the matter of the Tel-Aviv partnership and had failed.

Despite the results of the Student's Union vote for the University to cut ties with TAU, the same representative told The Mancunion that campaign groups had received only “weak statements saying that [students] have the democratic right to vote but that [the University] will not be following through on anything [students] say.”

They called this “a crisis point of student democracy on campus” and said, “it shows where the student voice lies at this University and it’s not in the ears of the executives.”

Speaking to The Mancunion, Elliot Briffa, City and Community Officer at the Students' Union said that “We are continuing to put forward the outcome of the vote,” but that “the University isn’t listening.”

Briffa went on to say that the University administration does, however, have a review of its international partnerships ongoing, a review which would include Tel-Aviv University, and is “expected to conclude this academic year.”

In a recent statement to The Mancunion, Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor, confirmed that “The University’s governing bodies, including the Senate, have voted against ending the partnership with TAU," referring to the partnership as "academic in nature."

A University of Manchester spokesperson said:

“We understand and acknowledge the diverse views and feelings expressed by many of our students, including those about the University’s partnerships with Tel Aviv University (TAU).  We also recognise that members of our university community are directly affected by the situation in the Middle East, and the events of the last two years have understandably caused deep concern and strong feelings.”

“Our position on this matter has been one of considered disagreement, which is based on our commitment to academic freedom and the value of international collaboration.“

“The University continues to support affected students and academics, through our Humanitarian and Article 26 Scholarship schemes and our partnership with the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA).  We are actively exploring ways to play a role in rebuilding higher education in Gaza when conditions allow, reflecting the concern of students.”