A new report from the Union of Jewish Students has uncovered what it describes as “disturbing” evidence of antisemitism pervading British universities, with one in five students indicating they would be reluctant to share accommodation with Jewish peers.
The research, released on Monday, paints a troubling picture of campus life for Jewish students across the country.
According to the UJS, antisemitism has become “normalised” at universities nationwide.
The report states: “Jewish students have told us they have faced physical and verbal abuse, social ostracisation and widespread anti-Semitic attitudes.”
It further warns that “glorification of terrorism is prevalent and unpunished” on campuses, pointing to a systematic failure by institutions to address hatred directed at Jewish students.
Nearly a quarter of students surveyed — 23 per cent — reported witnessing behaviour targeting Jewish students based on their religion or ethnicity.
The findings reveal that almost half of respondents, 49 per cent, have heard chants or slogans on campus glorifying Hamas, Hezbollah or other proscribed organisations.
Some 47 per cent said they had witnessed justification of the October 7 attacks, a figure that climbs to 77 per cent among students who frequently encounter Israel-Palestine demonstrations.
The report documents specific incidents across multiple institutions, including graffiti reading “F— Jews” at Essex Student Union and leaflets distributed at the University of Bristol depicting a Star of David intertwined with a swastika.
At City St George’s in London, an image of an Orthodox Jew appeared on a whiteboard with the caption: “This room was promised to him 3,000 years ago”.
Personal accounts from students reveal the severity of the situation. A third-year student at the University of Exeter described being publicly told to “f— off” by a fellow student who had warned others against befriending him because he is a Zionist.
“I went home and cried. Somebody said they wanted to punch me in the face because I am a Zionist at a club night,” the student told The Telegraph.
At Oxford University, protesters were heard chanting: “Gaza, Gaza, make us proud, put the Zios in the ground!”
In Leeds, a student wearing a kippah was pursued home and subjected to verbal abuse by someone wielding a glass bottle.
One Birmingham student was followed home by individuals who climbed a lamp post outside their residence, repeatedly rang the doorbell, and told passers-by to “remember this address as Jews live here”.
Karen Newman of the Board of Deputies of British Jews called the findings a “wake-up call”, stating: “It is not for Jews to shrink their identity on campus to fit in, but for universities to ensure they are welcome and tolerant places for all.”
UJS president Louis Danker highlighted how “a new wave of student activism has interrupted the rhythm of campus life” through protests, encampments and building blockades.
Labour peer Baroness Berger questioned what campuses would feel like for Jewish students when her own young children reach university age.
Community Security Trust data shows antisemitic incidents have doubled, with 308 recorded monthly on average in 2025 compared to 154 before the October 7 attack.
A government spokesman confirmed the Education Secretary has commissioned Sir David Bell to lead a review into antisemitism at schools and colleges.