Oxford students accused of anti-semitism over 'Jewish girls' party

Oxford University has launched an investigation into allegations of anti-semitism after rugby players were told to find "pretty Jewish girls" to be their dates for a themed dinner.

By Jon Swaine
14 Nov 2008

Players from the university's under-21 team turned out for the event - one reportedly dressing as a Jewish caricature, holding a money bag - despite the party's organisers having officially scrapped the event after complaints from Oxford's Jewish community.

The party was held as one of the team's Wednesday Rugby Socials. Each week, team members invite a different group of girls to dine and drink with them.

Yair Zivan, from the Union of Jewish Students, told The Daily Mail: "The actions of a few individuals have caused real offence to Jewish students.

"UJS is appalled that in 2008 old myths and anti-semitic stereotypes are still appearing amongst supposedly educated students."

Anna Harwood, from the university's Jewish Society, said: "It's very offensive and it's very unfortunate that sometimes some students do not think before engaging their brains."

A spokesman for the university said: " We are currently investigating a report about inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour by two or three students. We have yet to establish the facts.

The report comes a month after the University of Gloucestershire launched an inquiry into video footage of a student initiation ceremony showing students dressed with plastic carrier bags tied on their heads being led through streets by another dressed as a Nazi officer.