Manchester: Busts of Israeli president stolen from university

---

Greater Manchester Police are investigating an incident at the University of Manchester involving an alleged burglary and theft of two busts of Chaim Weizmann, the first president of Israel. Video footage has circulated online showing two people breaking a display case in the chemistry building before making off with the sculptures. The Palestine Action Group later claimed responsibility for the incident, stating that the theft was in commemoration of the Balfour Declaration, which called for the establishment of a Jewish homeland.

Weizmann had lectured at the University of Manchester before becoming president of Israel in 1948. The Palestine Action Group has stated that Weizmann played a key role in securing the Balfour Declaration and therefore deserved to be held accountable for the subsequent displacement of Palestinian people. The group has also been linked to other incidents around the UK, including protests at the offices of the Jewish National Fund and the Britain-Israel Communications and Research Centre, as well as vandalism at the University of Cambridge.

The University of Manchester has issued a statement saying that it is “aware of footage circulating online following an incident last night at our chemistry building” and that it has reported the matter to the police. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said he will instruct police to investigate the incident and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Burnham further stated that he would support the university in taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of students and staff, especially those from the Jewish community.

The incident at the University of Manchester is the latest in a series of events in the UK which have involved controversy relating to Israel and Palestine. It is not yet clear whether the theft of the busts was the work of an organised group or individuals acting independently

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

---