The University of Liverpool has postponed a student-led bake sale organised in support of Palestine today, October 7th, due to the “appropriateness” of its “timing and promotion”.
The event, organised collaboratively by the university’s global relief and baking societies, was due to take place in the Liverpool Guild of Students on the two year anniversary of Israel’s attacks on Gaza in 2023.
A spokesperson from the university has said they “remain in discussions with the organisers regarding the appropriateness of timing and promotion” despite cancelling the fundraiser.
The Liverpool Guild of Students had shared the promotional material for the event on Instagram, later deleting their stories.
This follows in the wake of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning students across the country to avoid hosting demonstrations today, yet many have defied his statement and have continued to show support and call for an end to the conflict in Gaza.
Groups of university students across the UK have taken action to mark the October 7th anniversary, holding protests and organising events under themes such as “honour our martyrs” and celebrating “two years of resistance”.
Some have taken these protests to be poorly timed and anti-Jewish, following the events of the synagogue attack in Manchester last week.
In now deleted posts on Instagram, the Liverpool Palestine Society had advertised the fundraising bake sale under the tag line “time for dessert” which some commenters believed to be in bad taste.
The University of Liverpool extended its recognition of the anniversary of the October 7th attacks in a statement shared by a university spokesperson.
The statement reads: “We know that 7 October is a very difficult day for many and our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the attacks in Israel two years ago.
“We also share the distress and concern that many are feeling following last week’s antisemitic attack at a synagogue in Manchester”.
The spokesperson confirmed that the bake sale had been postponed, stating: “following discussions, the organisers of this proposed event have agreed to move this fundraising activity to an alternative date”.
The statement continued to emphasise the university’s relationship with the student union, highlighting that as “the primary representative body for students at the university” it is required to “to promote an inclusive, respectful and welcoming campus culture and environment”.
“This includes working with hundreds of student societies, representing a wide range of causes, activities and areas of interest for our diverse, global community” the statement reads.
It is not yet confirmed when the rescheduled event will be held.
The Liverpool University Palestine society has since removed its posts and is now holding a vigil on October 8th, in hopes of creating an environment to mindfully reflect on the attacks that have happened over two years in Gaza.
The University of Liverpool has been contacted for comment.
