Antisemitic incidents at British universities reached a record 272 during the 2023-2024 school year, according to a report by the Community Security Trust (CST). The figures, a fivefold increase from the previous year, highlight a rise in anti-Jewish sentiment tied to tensions following the Hamas attack on October 7 and the subsequent Israel-Gaza war.
Over 85 incidents were recorded in October 2023 alone, the highest monthly total since CST began monitoring in 1984. Incidents ranged from assaults and threats to vandalism, including graffiti, verbal abuse, and online hate. Nine assaults occurred, such as eggs thrown at Jewish students at St. Andrews. Property damage incidents totaled 17, including vandalism at Leeds Hillel House.
Threats included a bomb scare targeting a Jewish society and death threats against a chaplain. Abusive behavior accounted for the majority of cases, such as swastikas at a student conference and offensive graffiti.
A survey by the Intra-Communal Professorial Group revealed only 22% of Jewish students and staff felt comfortable being open about their Jewish identity on campus post-October 7. Approximately 60% reported feeling unsafe.
CST and Union of Jewish Students leaders urged urgent action, blaming extremist rhetoric for fostering hostility. CST CEO Mark Gardner called for stronger responses from universities, police, and the government to protect Jewish students and staff from harassment and intimidation. The report comes as Jewish enrollment in UK universities exceeds 9,000 students across 86 student societies.
