Antisemitic Incidents Rise Sharply in UK Universities, Report Finds

Antisemitic incidents within British universities have risen by 14 percent over the past year, reaching levels described as '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 the 2022-23 academic year. The period following the October 7th attacks saw a record 272 antisemitic incidents on UK campuses in the 2023-24 academic year.

The CST, a charity dedicated to monitoring anti-Jewish incidents in Britain, stated that there is now a "baseline level of antisemitism that is significantly higher" than pre-conflict levels.

Government and University Response

Education Secretary Lucy Powell described the findings as "deeply troubling," emphasizing that "no student should have to choose between expressing their identity and feeling safe on campus." She added that the government expects universities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism and is providing training to university staff to help them identify and respond to incidents swiftly.

The report detailed that the majority of incidents reported to the CST involved abusive behavior. However, it also highlighted two incidents of extreme violence recorded in 2024-25, one each in Edinburgh and Leeds. These mark the first time the charity has recorded incidents of this severity at universities, defined as any attack potentially causing loss of life or grievous bodily harm.

Incidents Involving University Staff

University staff were identified as being responsible for 16 antisemitic incidents over the past two years. The report noted that "University staff occupy positions of authority and influence, so their views carry increased weight with their audience." It also suggested that "Students may also feel reluctant to challenge or report antisemitic behaviour when it comes from lecturers, tutors or supervisors."

The CST urged universities to clearly distinguish between anti-Israel speech and antisemitism and to enforce this distinction through disciplinary actions.

Calls for Action

Mark Gardner, chief executive of the CST, stated that these figures indicate a "very serious campus antisemitism problem" for Jewish individuals, noting that while numbers have fallen from their post-October 7th peak, they remain "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 the privileges afforded to those who work or study in our centres of learning."

Shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized some universities for "not doing enough" and insisted that "There must be consequences for this vile behaviour."

Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, acknowledged the report as a "serious concern" and confirmed that university leaders are collaborating with experts to develop guidance and share best practices. She also conceded that "There is more to do, particularly in building confidence in the effectiveness of disciplinary processes."