War surgeon Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah was elected rector of the University of Glasgow yesterday.
Abu-Sittah, a world-leading plastic and reconstructive surgeon, is a former student of the university and has recently spent time operating on Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip during Israel’s current bombing campaign.
Dr Abu-Sittah received 4,172 votes and stood on a platform which focused on Gaza, saying “a vote for me is a vote of solidarity” with Palestine, urging for divestment from the arms trade.
The post has previously been held by Arthur Balfour, who – as UK foreign secretary in 1917 – signed the Balfour Declaration, a letter to Lord Rothschild affirming the government’s support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine.
The university rector, a position held for three-years, presides at meetings of the University Court — the highest governing body of the university. The court exists to oversee the management of the University, with special emphasis on strategic leadership and accountability.
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