Universities must stay vigilant against antisemitism amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine that has caused street demonstrations in many cities, a Jewish group has warned.
The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) expressed concern about a worrying rise in anti-Semitic incidents following protests against the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
The group said it had received reports of hate speech, intimidation, and physical assault against Jewish students on campus and in the wider community.
UJS Vice-President Josh Feldman said that the rise in antisemitism following the recent Gaza conflict is deeply concerning. He called on universities to take all necessary steps to protect their Jewish students and staff from hate crimes.
The National Union of Students (NUS) has also condemned the rise in antisemitism, and has called on all students to stand up against intolerance and hate speech.
NUS Vice-President for Higher Education, Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, said that it is more important than ever for students to challenge antisemitism and all forms of discrimination.
The universities minister, Michelle Donelan, has also written to universities urging them to take action to combat antisemitism.
In the letter, Donelan said that there is no place for antisemitism in our universities and that universities must do more to tackle this issue.
The UJS has welcomed the government’s response, but says that more needs to be done to protect Jewish students from antisemitism.
Feldman said: We urge universities to implement our recommendations and take a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism. We must work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their religion or background.
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