'Antisemitism felt relentless' - Jewish students on life at UK universities
Jewish students at UK universities report a rise in antisemitism, describing a culture of hostility and fear on campus. The report highlights concerns that criticism of Israel has increasingly crossed into antisemitic behavior, leading students to hide their religious identity.
Why it matters
This reflects broader societal tensions regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict and raises critical questions about campus safety and the protection of minority groups in higher education.
Image source, Oliver Image caption, Before graduating in July 2026, Oliver served as president of Cardiff University's Jewish Society
Some Jewish students have said they feel antisemitism has become "normalised" at UK universities and they routinely hide signs of their identity for fear of abuse.
Students at more than 10 universities in England and Wales told the BBC they had faced hostility, and warned of a "culture of antisemitism" on campuses.
A report into the issue by the Union of Jewish students in March 2026 called for new enforceable standards for how universities investigate and punish hate crime.
Universities UK, which represents more than 140 higher education institutions, said universities were working to improve support, reporting and campus safety for Jewish students.
Harry warns of 'deeply troubling' rise in antisemitism in UK
Published 14 May Spat at, threatened and kidnapped: British Jews tell of rising antisemitism
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