Antisemitism at British universities is significantly on the rise. According to a report published by a security charity, the number of antisemitic incidents at universities has increased by nearly 80 percent compared to before the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Statistics on Antisemitic Incidents
The Community Security Trust (CST) has reported that in the academic years 2024 to 2026, 178 antisemitic incidents have been recorded at universities. This figure represents a 14 percent increase in the 2025/26 academic year. In total, 95 incidents were recorded in the 2025/26 academic year, a significant increase compared to 53 incidents in the 2022/23 academic year, the last year before the Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent Israeli attacks on Gaza.
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Nature and Severity of Incidents
Most of these incidents involve abusive behaviors such as verbal insults, antisemitic remarks, or graffiti targeting Jewish students, staff, or organizations. However, in the academic years 2024/25 and 2025/26, two incidents of severe violence and six assaults have been recorded. During these two years, 16 antisemitic incidents were also perpetrated by university staff.
The UK Education Minister, Lucy Powell, stated: "No student should have to choose between expressing their identity and feeling safe at university, but for many Jewish students, this reality continues." These remarks clearly highlight the serious challenges faced by Jewish students in educational spaces.
This increase in antisemitic incidents at universities not only raises social concerns but also exacerbates security challenges. Given the importance of educational environments in shaping the identity and beliefs of young people, it is essential for universities to take serious actions to combat such behaviors and provide a safe and supportive space for all students.
Ultimately, this report emphasizes the urgent need for attention and action from educational institutions, the government, and the community to address the rise of antisemitism and ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students at universities.
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