Antisemitism 'Become Normalized' on UK University Campuses, Survey Reveals
A shocking new report from the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) has revealed that antisemitism has become alarmingly normalized across UK university campuses, with Jewish students facing increased social ostracization and direct threats to their safety.
Disturbing Statistics from Nationwide Student Survey
The comprehensive survey, conducted by JL Partners and titled Time for Change, polled 1,000 students from 170 higher education institutions across the United Kingdom. The findings paint a troubling picture of campus life for Jewish students, with nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents reporting they have witnessed behavior specifically targeting Jewish students for their religion or ethnicity.
Perhaps most concerning is the revelation that one in five students (20%) would be reluctant to, or would never, share housing with a Jewish student. This statistic highlights the deep-seated prejudice that has infiltrated university social dynamics.
Widespread Support for Proscribed Groups and Disruption
The survey uncovered disturbing evidence of support for banned organizations, with half (49%) of students reporting they have heard slogans or chants glorifying Hamas, Hezbollah, or other proscribed groups. Nearly half (47%) have witnessed justification of the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
Academic disruption has become commonplace, with 65% of students reporting their learning has been interrupted by protests. The report includes chilling testimonies from some of the UK's 10,000 Jewish students, describing being chased home, threatened, verbally abused, and physically attacked.
Social Isolation and Apathy Toward Antisemitism
Jewish students are experiencing increased social ostracization, with one in four (26%) respondents knowing of, or personally experiencing, friendships with Jewish students becoming more distanced or strained. The report cites one particularly egregious example where non-Jewish students posted on social media that their flat had "only one rule – no Zios in the flat."
Equally troubling is the apparent apathy toward antisemitism on campuses. One quarter (25%) of those polled said they did not care very much – or at all – if students are able to be open about their Jewish identity on campus. When antisemitism is witnessed, only 20% challenge it directly, while 22% report it to students' unions and 23% to university authorities.
Leadership Responses and Historical Context
Karen Newman, vice-president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, described the report as "sickening reading," emphasizing that Jewish students should not have to worry about such widespread prejudice from their peers.
In a foreword to the report, Labour peer and former MP Luciana Berger noted that the experiences of Jewish students today echo her own from two decades ago, which led to her resignation from the National Union of Students' national executive committee. She expressed concern about what campuses will be like for Jewish students when her own young children reach university age.
Institutional Responses and Regulatory Action
A spokesperson for Universities UK, representing 142 institutions across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, stated they work closely with UJS and other Jewish organizations to tackle antisemitism and support university leaders in prevention and response efforts.
The government recently announced increased support for universities to address extremism and intimidation, including plans for a campus cohesion charter to strengthen respect and shared values. The Office for Students, England's higher education regulator, has committed to taking action against institutions that fail to protect students from harassment or intimidation, with powers to sanction or deregister non-compliant universities.
Author and journalist Daniel Finkelstein emphasized that "bullying people because of their ethnicity or history or political views is completely unacceptable and a university administration that ignores such bullying is failing in its duties."
The UJS report concludes that ignorance about Jewish people is embedded in campus culture, with too little being done to address the systemic issues facing Jewish students across UK higher education institutions.
