Surge in Antisemitism at British Universities Puts Jewish Students in Danger, with Violent Assaults and Online Threats Spreading Across Campuses

Recent findings reveal a disturbing increase in antisemitic incidents at UK universities.

The number of antisemitic acts has skyrocketed in the last two years, marking a record high.

The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity dedicated to combating antisemitism, recorded 325 such incidents at universities during the 2022-2024 academic years.

This figure represents more than double the number of similar incidents from the previous two years.

The majority of these incidents, 272, took place in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attack in 2023, which significantly heightened antisemitic sentiment across Britain.

Shocking Acts of Violence and Threats

The CST’s report highlights a chilling trend of violence and intimidation directed at Jewish students.

Among the incidents, there were ten violent assaults, including physical attacks on students.

The report also recorded 23 threats, many of which were death threats, as well as a bomb hoax at a synagogue used by Jewish students.

At St Andrews University, Jewish students were targeted in November 2023, with eggs thrown at them after attending an event with the Chief Rabbi.

Another incident occurred in May 2024, when a student wearing a Jewish society fleece was spat at on the street.

In April 2024, a bomb threat was received by a Jewish society and several other Jewish organizations, threatening violence in synagogues.

Rising Online Hate and Property Damage

The rise in antisemitism isn’t confined to physical violence. Many of the recorded threats were made online, with 15 of the 23 threats occurring digitally.

One of the most alarming incidents involved a Jewish student at the University of Birmingham receiving a message saying, “May a slow and painful death be granted to you and every other Zionist like you.”

Furthermore, in October 2023, a WhatsApp group for Jewish students at a university was infiltrated, leading to a barrage of hateful messages.

These included violent language and derogatory slurs directed at Jews and Israel.

Additionally, 21 cases of property damage were reported, including antisemitic graffiti on Jewish property in cities like Nottingham, London, and Oxford.

Swastikas and Support for Terrorism

The spread of antisemitic symbols on campuses is another troubling issue.

During the 2024 National Union of Students (NUS) conference, swastikas were found graffitied in toilets at the event venue.

Jewish students also reported being harassed by individuals screaming at them from cars as they left events.

A Jewish society stall at a freshers fair was vandalized, and many incidents reflected open support for terrorism.

The rise in such acts signals a broader societal problem that extends beyond university campuses.

Responses from Jewish Leaders and Government Officials

In response to these shocking findings, Sami Berkoff, President of the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), emphasized the need for universities to take a firm stance against antisemitism, urging them not to remain indifferent to the rising hate.

Berkoff called for unity against hate and for campuses to remain inclusive spaces for education.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson condemned the findings, calling them “sickening” and a disgrace.

She emphasized the need for urgent action to ensure Jewish students can fully participate in university life without fear of abuse.

The UK government has committed to combatting antisemitism, pledging £7 million to tackle antisemitic abuse in schools, colleges, and universities.

£500,000 has already been allocated to support the University Jewish Chaplaincy to enhance student welfare.

Moving Forward

The surge in antisemitic incidents on British university campuses reveals deep-rooted issues that need to be addressed with urgency.

Ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for Jewish students must be a top priority for universities and the government.

Through stronger policies and heightened awareness, there is hope that these troubling trends can be reversed, allowing students to live and learn without fear of hate or violence.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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