The Report: Jewish university students in the UK are concealing their identity on campuses due to fears of antisemitism
Jewish university students in the UK are concealing their identity on campuses due to fears of antisemitism, according to a damning report titled ‘Understanding Jewish Experience in Higher Education’ by the Parliamentary Task Force on Antisemitism in Higher Education. The report reveals that students are refraining from wearing certain clothing or jewelry that would identify them as Jewish. It also highlights an underlying fear of being targeted and constantly having to address questions about Israel.
The report, which was conducted over a six-month period, gathered evidence from 56 universities across the UK through campus visits and focus groups with Jewish students and staff members. Additionally, organizations such as the Office for Students, the National Union of Students, and the Union of Jewish Students were consulted.
One concerning finding was that students sometimes feel reluctant to attend seminars or lectures due to the fear of personal interrogation. This fear also affects the modules they choose. Staff members, too, expressed concerns about negativity surrounding their Jewish identity, emphasizing the need for confidentiality.
The report also includes examples of casual antisemitism directed at Jewish students by their friends and peers. Incidents such as being told to settle the bill because they can afford it or being told they are “too pretty to be Jewish” contribute to a sense of introversion and discomfort within friendship groups. Unfortunately, many of these incidents go unreported.
To combat discrimination on campus, the report emphasizes the importance of implementing the internationally recognized International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. None of the 56 universities surveyed could identify a single example of the definition restricting freedom of expression. The report suggests using the IHRA definition as a reference point to understand contemporary antisemitism and support Jewish students and staff when dealing with issues or submitting complaints.
The report also raises concerns about the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU), stating that it is failing Jewish employees. Some Jewish academics expressed that the UCU is no longer a safe and accepting place for Jews, particularly when discussions about the Israel-Palestine conflict arise. Jewish staff members were hesitant to join the union due to the negative environment and lack of trust in UCU’s support on antisemitism.
Joel Rosen, President of the Union of Jewish Students, emphasized the importance of listening to Jewish students and their elected representatives in combatting antisemitism. He praised the report’s deliverable recommendations, which, if implemented, would significantly impact Jewish students’ university experience.
The parliamentary task force responsible for the report was established by Lord John Mann, the government’s antisemitism czar, and led by Dame Margaret Hodge and Nicola Richards. Lord Mann highlighted the significance of the report in guiding universities and supporting Jewish students and staff on campus. He stressed the importance of creating a safe space on campus that balances free speech and protection against antisemitism.
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon acknowledged that antisemitism has no place in universities and emphasized the need for strong action to combat it. He welcomed the report’s findings, which align with the government’s efforts to address the issue, including recruiting almost all universities in the country to sign up to the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
The report’s recommendations and good practice guide provide a valuable framework for universities to create a welcoming environment for Jewish students, ultimately ensuring that all students feel safe and valued on campus. Addressing antisemitism and fostering inclusivity are essential aspects of universities’ mission to create a positive educational environment for all students.
Tags: Jewish university students, antisemitism
