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Across several UK universities, Jewish students have reported increasing experiences of antisemitism, particularly following heightened tensions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. At Cardiff University, Oliver described witnessing behavior that went beyond legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and crossed into antisemitism. He experienced significant personal impacts, including ceasing to speak Hebrew in public and hiding his Star of David necklace while on campus. Over his three years there, the antisemitic abuse he endured intensified, extending from verbal hostility in social settings to the distribution of pamphlets denying Jewish history and beliefs.
Oliver shared the emotional toll these experiences took on him. “That first year was absolutely terrifying,” he explained. “You go home and think, ‘do I carry on? Do I try to go to the next day?'” Despite reporting numerous incidents to the university, he felt many were inadequately addressed, often “swept under the rug.” Although he acknowledged some improvements, he emphasized the need for stronger measures to protect students. Cardiff University responded by expressing regret that any student felt unsafe and reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and discrimination. It affirmed having procedures to investigate reported antisemitism, promising appropriate actions where allegations are substantiated, and highlighted its engagement with the Jewish Society to encourage reporting.
Similarly, at Manchester University, Jewish students are reportedly concealing their identities amid rising antisemitic incidents. Daniel, the incoming Jewish Society vice-president, noted that in the wake of violent attacks such as the Heaton Park attack in October 2025, fear has prompted many to hide visible symbols of their faith. He described incidents including antisemitic graffiti, such as swastikas painted on walls and even on a fridge at a house party where someone had been identified as Jewish. He recounted that a Jewish student wearing a kippah was advised by university staff to avoid entering an academic building during protests for their own safety. Reflecting on the experience, Daniel said, “To be Jewish at university is to have an identity that is inherently politicised by everyone around you. That becomes very exhausting because it’s a very difficult place to navigate.”
The University of Manchester has acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing that it treats antisemitism with utmost seriousness and collaborates with police to swiftly remove offensive materials from campus. It also works closely with civic and faith leaders to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between communities. The university stated that it is engaging with Jewish students, staff, and community representatives to improve its response, while partnering with organizations like the Antisemitism Policy Trust and other institutions to share best practices and enhance collective efforts against antisemitism.
At Swansea University, concerns have similarly been raised regarding the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students. The president of the Jewish Society, Aviva, revealed that organizing routine society activities required notifying local counter-terrorism officers, an unusual and distressing aspect of her student life. She contrasted this experience with other student groups, noting, “I don’t think anyone running, say, the Manga [Japanese comic books] Society has to consider whether there’s a hate crime risk from having a stall.” Swansea University stated that it offers dedicated wellbeing, academic, and faith services to support its students and upholds a zero-tolerance stance toward harassment and discrimination. Additionally, a recent survey conducted by JL Partners for the Union of Jewish Students highlighted feelings of isolation among Jewish students, linked to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The survey also indicated a concerning degree of apathy toward antisemitism on campuses, with 25% of students expressing little or no concern about whether Jewish students could openly express their identity
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