Oxford Union President Defies No-Confidence Motion Amid Controversy

Arwa Elrayess, the first Palestinian president of the University of Oxford’s debating society, has refused to resign following a failed motion of no confidence. The motion, initiated by student Ben Ashworth, accused Elrayess of contributing to an atmosphere of hostility and harassment. The vote received 126 signatures, including 116 online, falling short of the 150 required to proceed to a formal poll. Elrayess stated that Palestinians face post-mortem vilification and argued that her existence is perceived as a threat due to her identity.

The controversy stems from screenshots of text messages from a group chat nine months prior to her presidency. In these messages, Elrayess discussed the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led incursion, stating that resistance groups are often deemed terrorists by the West until they achieve liberation, at which point they are lauded as heroes. Media outlets including The Telegraph and the BBC quoted her as saying the incursion was proportional. Elrayess clarified that she was providing analysis rather than moral legitimacy, noting that her explicit disavowal of the actions was stripped from reports.

Ashworth, who cited The Sunday Telegraph in his accusation, was observed yelling at Elrayess during the forum, repeatedly asking if she condemns Hamas. Elrayess reiterated to the Jewish Chronicle that she condemns the targeting of innocent civilians by Hamas, the Israeli army, and any other actor. She argued that the messages were entirely misquoted and intentionally framed to suggest support for Hamas, which she denied.

Elrayess has previously faced unsubstantiated allegations, including falsified union minutes alleging she opposed alumni voting and false claims in the Oxford Standard linking her to Hamas leadership. She attributes these attacks to her Palestinian identity, citing her father’s advice that people will always find a way to spin her actions because she is already a target. The Oxford Standard article, which also falsely claimed she shared antisemitic imagery, was deleted along with the publication’s website.

Despite the controversy, some members of the Union have defended Elrayess. Oliver Jones-Lyons, the Oxford Union’s director of finance, described himself as a public Zionist but stated that his interactions with Elrayess have been productive and not aggressive. Member Oliver Goldstein stated he does not feel unsafe as a Jewish student and does not view Elrayess as an antisemite. Elrayess remains determined to continue her tenure, stating she is a proud Palestinian and will not resign.