A damning new report by StandWithUs UK has revealed a surge in antisemitic harassment and hostility towards Jewish and pro-Israel students across British universities in the wake of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
Drawing from over 1,000 testimonies and a nationwide survey, the “Voice of Students 2025” report paints a troubling picture of intimidation, institutional inaction, and a climate of fear permeating campus life.
Key findings include that 64% of surveyed students could not unequivocally call the Hamas attacks terrorism, while 38% believed students who publicly support Israel should “expect” abuse. Students reported being subjected to verbal abuse, threats, and exclusion, with some forced to hide religious symbols or refrain from speaking Hebrew on campus out of fear.
The report accuses universities of failing to uphold their duty of care, citing dismissive responses to complaints and a normalization of anti-Zionist rhetoric as a cover for antisemitism. It calls for urgent reforms, including recognizing anti-Zionism as antisemitism under the IHRA definition and establishing accountability measures.
“This isn’t just about Jewish students,” the report warns, “but about the erosion of safety and free expression for all.”
