Antisemitic Incidents Rise Sharply in UK Universities

Antisemitic incidents in British universities have increased by 14% in the 2025-26 academic year, reaching levels significantly higher than before the October 7th attacks on Israel, according to a report by the Community Security Trust (CST). The CST recorded 95 incidents affecting Jewish students or university staff during the 2025-26 academic year, an increase from 83 incidents in the previous year and 53 in 2022-23. The year following the October 7th attacks, 2023-24, saw a record 272 antisemitic incidents on UK campuses. The CST charity stated that a "baseline level of antisemitism that is significantly higher" now exists on campuses compared to before the conflict. Education Secretary Lucy Powell described the findings as "deeply troubling" and emphasized that "no student should have to choose between expressing their identity and feeling safe on campus." She added that universities are expected to adopt a zero-tolerance approach and are receiving training to identify and respond to incidents swiftly. The majority of incidents reported to the CST were classified as abusive behavior. However, the report also documented two instances of extreme violence in 2024-25, one in Edinburgh and another in Leeds. These marked the first time the charity has recorded incidents of this severity at universities, which can involve potential loss of life or grievous bodily harm. University staff were identified as perpetrators in 16 antisemitic incidents over the past two years. The report highlighted that "University staff occupy positions of authority and influence, so their views carry increased weight with their audience," potentially making students hesitant to challenge or report such behavior from lecturers or supervisors. The CST urged universities to clearly distinguish between anti-Israel speech and antisemitism, enforcing this distinction through disciplinary measures. Mark Gardner, chief executive of the CST, commented, "These figures show that Jews are still facing a very serious campus antisemitism problem. Figures have fallen from their post-7 October 2023 peak, but are still far higher than before that dreadful day." Lord Mann, the Government's independent adviser on antisemitism, called for disciplinary action against those engaging in abuse and threats, suggesting that in extreme cases, individuals should forfeit their privileges within academic institutions. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized some universities for insufficient action, stating, "There must be consequences for this vile behaviour." Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, acknowledged the report as a "serious concern" and noted that university leaders are collaborating with experts to develop guidance and share best practices. She conceded, "There is more to do, particularly in building confidence in the effectiveness of disciplinary processes."