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Incidents of antisemitism involving students and staff at UK universities have risen during the 2025-26 academic year, according to the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that tracks antisemitic activity. The CST recorded 95 incidents linked to university settings this year, marking an increase from 83 incidents reported in the previous academic year. Although the numbers have decreased since the peak following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, they remain significantly higher than levels seen prior to that event.
Universities UK (UUK), which represents over 140 higher education institutions, emphasized the urgent need to protect Jewish members of university communities. Describing the CST’s findings as a “serious concern,” UUK highlighted the importance of safeguarding students and staff from antisemitic behavior. Lucy Powell, England’s education secretary, echoed this sentiment, calling the report’s revelations “deeply troubling” and underscoring the government’s expectation for universities to adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards antisemitism. Powell mentioned ongoing training initiatives designed to help university personnel recognize and respond swiftly to such incidents.
The CST defines a “university-related” antisemitic incident as any occurrence involving students, academics, or staff within their roles in an academic environment, encompassing both on-campus and online settings. Prior to the October 2023 attack, the charity documented 53 incidents during the 2022-23 academic year, which then soared to 272 in 2023-24. Although the number declined in 2024-25, it rose again in the most recent academic year.
Abusive behavior remained the most frequently reported type of incident, including verbal abuse, offensive comments in person or online, and antisemitic graffiti. Notably, for the first time, the report identified two incidents of extreme violence in 2024-25. Across the two years examined, there were six assaults, eight acts of property damage and desecration (with most occurring in student housing), and ten threats made against Jewish individuals. Approximately two-thirds of these incidents featured antisemitic language connected to references about Israel, Gaza, Hamas, the 7 October attack, and ongoing Middle East conflicts. The report clarifies that while criticism of Israel or Zionism is not inherently antisemitic, anti-Zionist rhetoric often coincides with hostility toward Jewish people and organizations.
Mark Gardner, the CST’s chief executive, described the persistent problem of antisemitism on campuses as “very serious,” particularly expressing concern over the rise in incidents involving university staff. He stressed universities’ responsibility to ensure Jewish students and employees can fully engage in campus life without fear. Similarly, Raphi Leon, president of the Union of Jewish Students, urged that the report be used as motivation to intensify efforts to support Jewish students and combat antisemitism. Vivienne Stern, UUK’s chief executive, acknowledged the rising number of antisemitic incidents as a significant issue, stating, “Universities have a responsibility to protect Jewish students and staff from abuse.” She also highlighted ongoing collaboration with organizations such as the CST to create guidance for institutions but admitted that more work is needed, especially to foster confidence in the effectiveness of disciplinary procedures
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