A demonstrator at a pro-Palestinian rally who urged crowds to “put the Zios in the ground” has been unmasked as a student at one of Britain’s most prestigious universities.
Samuel Williams, who hails from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, now faces a Metropolitan Police probe after his shocking outburst at a weekend march through the heart of the capital, reports The Telegraph.
Student workshopped inflammatory chant at Oxford
Clutching a microphone before the assembled protesters, he declared: “A steadfast and noble resistance in Palestine and in Gaza to look to, to be inspired by and – I don’t want to yap for too long – but a chant that we’ve been workshopping in Oxford that maybe you guys want to join in.
“It goes ‘Gaza, Gaza make us proud, put the Zios in the ground’.”
The undergraduate bellowed the inflammatory slogan again, deploying “Zio” as slang for “Zionists”, while fellow activists surrounding him echoed his words.
Oxford University has slammed the chant “in the strongest possible terms” but stopped short of revealing whether the student faces disciplinary measures.
Investigation comes after PM’s call for police crackdown
Officers launched their probe following the Prime Minister’s demand for a harder line against inflammatory slogans at Palestinian solidarity events.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign orchestrated Saturday’s mass gathering despite a truce taking hold in Gaza just 24 hours earlier on Friday.
Further video clips circulating online captured Williams marching near the head of a contingent brandishing placards emblazoned with messages such as “Oxford University pick a side, justice or genocide”.
Jewish student body reacts with horror to violent rhetoric
The Union of Jewish Students said it was “horrified” by the footage. A spokesman said: “This violent rhetoric is unacceptable, with students calling for murder and employing a slur, ‘Zio’, coined by David Duke, former Grand Wizard of the KKK [Ku Klux Klan].
“Against the backdrop of rampant glorification of Hamas terrorism on campus this week, we call on universities to urgently take a stand against the endorsement of violence.
“We are in contact with the University of Oxford and urge them to act decisively in response to this deeply troubling incident.”
Furious social media backlash erupts
LBC reported that one X user, while tagging Education Minister Bridget Philipson and Scotland Yard, wrote: “Calling for the death of all Israelis and Jews.
“Is that enough for you..I’m sure the Jewish students must be terrified listening to this lot.
“Time for action.”
Another commented: “FYI Met Police – I’m a Zionist. This is a call to kill me.”
Targeting the Met Police’s official X account, a third person replied: “I’m a British citizen and consider myself a Zionist, a belief protected by law.
“The individual in this clip has publicly called for people like me to be killed. Why did your ‘police’ not arrest him yesterday?”
A fourth wrote: “Am I being thick? He’s actually chanting to murder Jews and he doesn’t get nicked? In England?”
Oxford vows zero tolerance for anti-Semitism
A spokesman for the university said: “The University of Oxford condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any language urging violence against groups of people or expressing any form of racial hatred.
“The university’s support for freedom of speech does not extend to any statements, including such language.
“When such language is reported, we will always want to speak to the student concerned and consider the matter under our disciplinary procedures in line with university and college policies.
“Oxford is unequivocal – there is no place for anti-Semitism, harassment, or discrimination within our community. We remain firmly committed to protecting the safety and dignity of all our students and staff.”
Scotland Yard confirms investigation launched
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers are investigating chants made at the demonstration in central London on Saturday Oct 11.”
Just weeks ago, Sir Keir called for stronger action to combat incendiary language at Palestinian solidarity events after hundreds defied his appeals not to march following the terror attack on a Manchester synagogue.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also hinted at exploring fresh powers to impose outright bans on demonstrations.
Government preparing sweeping new protest powers
Fresh proposals in the pipeline would hand officers expanded authority to shut down repeated demonstrations after Palestinian solidarity campaigners brushed aside entreaties to cancel certain events. Campaign organisations have previously informed The Telegraph their protests will persist until there is “an end to apartheid”.
The furore erupts just seven days after campuses nationwide witnessed Palestinian solidarity demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the October 7 atrocity.
Anti-Semitism campaigner demands expulsion and prosecution
Alex Hearn, director Labour Against Antisemitism said the chant was “indefensible” and called for Mr Williams’ arrest.
“This is a sad reflection of the normalisation of hate that has been allowed to infiltrate our universities and higher education institutions,” he said.
“Mr Williams should be expelled from his privileged position in Oxford University, arrested and put on trial.
“Justice must be seen to be done. It is time we make it clear that prejudice and discrimination is not acceptable in British society.”