As alumni of the University of Leeds, we are deeply disturbed and disappointed by the actions of Zecharia Deutsch, a chaplain at the University.

Since the beginning of the conflict, over 11,000 Palestinians have been murdered. Does the University of Leeds and associated universities find it acceptable to have a chaplain, a chaplain of all people to go and fight?

Mr. Deutsch has been reported to have left the UK to participate in a foreign war with the Israeli army, even going as far as sharing videos on an open student WhatsApp group.

This is not only a breach of professional conduct but also raises serious ethical questions about his role within our university community. The University prides itself on being an inclusive and safe space for all students, regardless of their nationality or political beliefs. However, by allowing Mr. Deutsch to continue in his position after such actions undermines these values.

According to Universities UK's guidelines on staff conduct (2018), employees should "avoid any activities that might conflict with their responsibilities or may damage the reputation of the institution". We believe that Mr. Deutsch's actions clearly violate these guidelines.

It has also come to our attention that he is also a 'chaplain' at the University of Sheffield, York University, Bradford University and Leeds Beckett University.

We call upon the administration at University of Leeds, and the other universities aforementioned, to uphold its commitment towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all its students and staff members by relieving Zecharia Deutsch from his position immediately.

Please sign this petition if you stand with us in this demand for accountability and justice within our academic community.