London24NEWS

Anti-Semitism ‘on the rise’ in UK universities, new data reveals

Jewish students face vile abuse on campus as ‘unacceptable’ rise in anti-Semitism is recorded at UK universities

  • ‘Unacceptable’ anti-Semitism is ‘on the rise’ in UK universities, new data reveals
  • Record 111 incidents of anti-Semitic abuse at universities reported in 2020-21
  • Three incidents of swastikas or anti-Semitic messages graffitied on campus 

Jewish students have faced vile abuse on campus amid an ‘unacceptable’ rise in anti-Semitism at UK universities.

The findings come amid an ongoing investigation into the National Union of Students (NUS) over anti-Semitism allegations.

Robert Halfon, Commons education committee chairman, said: ‘Universities and unions trumpet their so-called ”inclusion and diversity agenda” but when it comes to anti-Semitism, it seems that those of the Jewish faith don’t count.’ 

Jewish students have faced vile abuse on campus amid an ‘unacceptable’ rise in anti-Semitism at UK universities. Pictured:  A poster featuring a swastika in place of the Star of David on the flag of Israel at Royal Holloway, University of London

A record 111 incidents of anti-Semitic abuse at universities were reported in 2020-21 to the charity Community Security Trust (CST).

Last year it recorded three incidents of swastikas or anti-Semitic messages graffitied on campus.

Earlier this year at Manchester students reportedly told someone at a Jewish Society stall which displayed an Israeli flag that she was ‘worse than Hitler’.

An NUS spokesman said it could not comment due to the KC-led probe but added: ‘We will take appropriate action in due course.’