Dear Editors,

I am writing with reference to the recent controversy that has surrounded Emma Meehan’s visit to Israel, funded by the UJS. As a postgraduate law student, I recently undertook a similar trip organised by an initiative called ‘StandwithUs Israel’, a body who organised an event called ‘Student Conference on International Law.’

I also visited Israel, was taken on a geopolitical tour of the disputed sites, listened to a talk by a senior member of the IDF, met the former President of the of the Israeli Supreme Court and was generally educated about the complexities of the application of International Law in an incredibly difficult situation.

Whilst I appreciate this trip could have been branded ‘Israeli propaganda’ and I listened to the arguments put forward with a healthy dose of scepticism, I undoubtedly left Israel with a far greater understanding of both ‘sides of the story’ and more educated about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This trip was aimed at students of International Law in order to explain how Israel has interpreted International Law and how she has justified her use of force in various situations.

The trip invited robust debate on Israel’s actions, and encouraged tough questions. This letter is not attempting to draw on the legalities of the conflict (there is enough academic literature on the subject!) but it is highlighting the value of the trip for me in furthering my understanding of a subject that cannot be understood until both sides of the argument are fully appreciated.

For this reason, I am disappointed to hear of the furore surrounding Emma Meehan’s trip to Israel. Having had my knowledge benefit vastly from such a trip, I cannot advocate their value enough, especially as the knowledge garnered may bring balance to the set mentalities of student politicians, who –with respect – may not be fully aware of the legal issues behind the conflict.

In the microcosmic world of student politics, I am saddened that the one person who has had the insight to appreciate the necessity of understanding the Israelis’ point of view has been vilified in such a manner. A key point about my trip was that understanding both points of view is essential for dialogue, and blatantly labelling one side as ‘wrong’ is never going to result in negotiations that may lead to peace.

After having completed such a trip, Emma Meehan will find herself more educated and more equipped to make balanced decisions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than any of her EUSA peers.

Mhairi Blair