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Safeguarding Jewish Students On Campus: UJS Statement 21.10.24

Latest Updates


Safeguarding Jewish Students On Campus: UJS Statement 21.10.24




The past three weeks, marked by the Jewish High Holidays, have been utterly unacceptable. We have witnessed the mourning and grief of Jewish students being overshadowed by celebrations of violence—the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, orchestrated by the recently eliminated Yahya Sinwar.

On this page you will find: 

 


UJS short statement on campus antisemitism in recent weeks

 

How much must Jewish students endure before you listen to their cries of “We've had enough!”?

Over the past three weeks, as Jewish students across the UK and Ireland marked the Jewish High Holidays and celebrated Sukkot, we have witnessed an absolutely despicable start to the academic year.

Students have celebrated the life of Yahya Sinwar - celebrating the man who instigated the largest massacre of Israelis in the country's history.

We have seen Holocaust inversion with students, student societies and student leaders sharing Holocaust imagery to draw direct parallels to the war in the Middle East.

We have also seen an ongoing environment of intimidation of Jewish students on numerous campuses.

UJS should not need to announce that all of this is wholly unacceptable, make a statement condemning these actions, or do it alone. But yet again, we do, and we are.

The Voice of Jewish Students will not be silent. We will not stand idly by. Today, we have written to every university and students’ union demanding that they ensure that their Jewish students do not feel abandoned by the institutions that should be protecting them.

Immediate and decisive action is essential to address this troubling support.

We will not be silent. We've had enough!

 


Plans to safeguard Jewish students  

During this past academic year, university campuses witnessed the highest-ever-recorded level of antisemitism in a generation. Jewish students faced unprecedented hostile encounters, including death threats, property desecration and verbal and physical assault. These attacks infiltrated both academic and social spaces, fostering a culture of fear that left Jewish students isolated and unwelcome on their own campuses.    

As UJS navigated this challenging landscape, we called upon University and Student Union leaders to do the same, requesting plans from Vice Chancellors and Student Union CEOs to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students in the upcoming academic year. Reflecting on the upsurge in antisemitic incidents, we noted how crucial it was that Universities and Student Unions recognised the urgency of this situation and took decisive action. Together, we must reassure Jewish students that they belong on campus and can be proud of their identity despite the pressures surrounding them.   

As we welcome back the return of students into a new academic year, following a year with unprecedented levels of antisemitic hate, we share this guidance with both optimism and a determination for change. However, we have already witnessed a resurgence of antisemitism on campus. Universities still remain disheartening and unwelcoming spaces for Jewish students. 

This October 7 marked a year since the horrific Hamas attacks, which took the lives of 1200 individuals and saw over 250 taken hostage. At the time of this guidance, 101 hostages remain in captivity. What should have been an opportunity for Jewish students to gather together and mourn the loss of loved ones instead became an unsafe anchor for hate. Vigils were encircled by hostility as students were placed into safe rooms, and protests deterred students from attending their own ceremonies.  

Since then, in the wake of the death of Yahya Sinwar, the central orchestrator of the 7th of October massacre, we have seen a distinct rise in the glorification of Hamas, a proscribed terror organisation. Students have turned on their phones after a Jewish Holiday to find posts celebrating him as a martyr and glorifying his murderous ideology. Even before this, glorification and unconditional support of proscribed terror organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah festered within university walls. Leaflets, chants, and social media posts from various student societies have contributed to this worrisome and unacceptable trend.  

Recent statistics show that those aged 18-24 have a more favourable view of Hamas in comparison to the general British public, with more than one-eighth not believing the attacks of October 7 as reported. What is equally disturbing is that 18 per cent of this age group who do think these attacks were carried out believe they were justified. During periods of conflict in the Middle East, antisemitism across the globe increases drastically, disproportionately on campus. This alarming reality erodes the core values which define higher education: the adoption of inclusivity and respect, which universities should uphold to help foster a positive and supportive space for all students.   

This guidance, outlined by responses from campus professionals and supported by UJS, details key actions and best practices which should be prioritised to encompass a supportive environment on campus for Jewish students to flourish. UJS will take a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism, calling upon all campus leaders to proactively support Jewish students this year. The UJS team is a mechanism for support, so contact us if you need help or further assistance throughout the year. 

 


10 ways to protect Jewish students

  1. Proactively Calling out Antisemitism  

Universities and Student Unions must take a firm and visible stance in calling out antisemitism, even in challenging circumstances. Leadership must demonstrate a commitment to condemning antisemitic behaviour and rhetoric, ensuring that such actions are met with swift and decisive responses. By doing so, institutions send a clear message that antisemitism has no place in the academic community, reinforcing their commitment to the safety and dignity of Jewish students. 

   2. Reaching out to your Jewish Societies and Jewish Student Representatives 

 Jewish Societies are the representative body for Jewish students on campus. Therefore, University leadership and Student Union officers must establish and maintain regular, proactive communication with these students. By actively engaging and listening to Jewish students, one can foster a supportive and inclusive environment on campus. After the events we have seen take place on campuses in recent weeks, we would like to see senior university leadership and students’ unions reach out to their Jewish societies and the Union of Jewish Students to ask for a meeting to discuss the needs of Jewish Students on their campuses. 

   3. Working with the Union of Jewish Students 

Universities and Student Unions must be equipped to direct Jewish students to the correct resources and provide appropriate support. Regular engagement with the Union of Jewish Students ensures these initiatives remain practical and relevant. One critical aspect is the delivery of annual antisemitism awareness training, which should be widely adopted across the academic community. This training should be extended to student support staff, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) departments, and relevant personnel, ensuring they remain informed on Jewish students' challenges.  

   4. Clear signposting of Online Reporting Tools for Harassment  

Universities and Student Unions must highlight and promote the use of their online reporting tools, ensuring that students are aware of how to report any form of harassment, including antisemitism. These platforms should be easily accessible, and all reports must be taken seriously, with zero tolerance for harassment. Encouraging students to report incidents fosters a safer environment and ensures that issues are addressed promptly and effectively. 

   5. Safeguarding and Security Measures 

 Following welcome weeks, universities and Student Unions should maintain close dialogue with Jewish students and student leaders, ensuring necessary safeguarding and welfare resources are in place. It is crucial that campus security is aware of the specific needs of Jewish students, with 24-hour security services briefed on potential risks and prepared to respond effectively. Universities and Student Unions must proactively provide a safe environment during this critical time, reassuring students that their safety and well-being are prioritised. 

Universities and Student Unions should actively collaborate with the Community Security Trust (CST) to enhance the safety and security of Jewish students on campus. This partnership can facilitate the sharing of best practices and safeguarding resources. Furthermore, Universities and Student Unions must encourage students to report any incidents of antisemitism or related harassment to CST. By promoting reporting to this specialised organisation, institutions can ensure that Jewish students have access to appropriate support and resources while also contributing to a broader understanding of antisemitism in the community. 

   6. Adopting IHRA’s definition of antisemitism  

Universities and Student Unions should formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, as it provides a clear and comprehensive framework for identifying and addressing antisemitic incidents. By adopting this definition, institutions demonstrate their commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring that Jewish students feel safe and supported on campus. It is also valuable for guiding university policies and responses to antisemitic behaviour. 

  7. Right to Protest within University Regulations and the Law  

Universities and Student Unions must respect the right to protest, provided it is conducted within the institution's regulations and the bounds of the law. However, any behaviour that breaches these regulations must not be tolerated. Clear protest protocols must be in place to allow the lawful expression of diverse views on campus while safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of those attending or impacted by such events. 

It is essential to address protests held on significant dates, such as October 7, which is a day of memorial and commemoration of the largest attack against Jewish people in this century. Protests on this day can be seen as profoundly harmful and distressing to Jewish students. Universities and student unions must ensure that they handle such events and recognise the impact on Jewish communities. 

Additionally, similar measures must be applied to external speaker forms, ensuring that external speakers are vetted to avoid any harmful rhetoric or actions that could incite hatred or pose a risk to the safety of Jewish students. 

   8. Work with the ICPG 

Universities and Student Unions should leverage the insights and recommendations provided by the Intra Communal Professorial Group (ICPG). By utilising the work produced by the ICPG, institutions can enhance their understanding of antisemitism and implement effective strategies to combat it. This includes integrating best practices and recommendations into university policies and training programs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for Jewish students. 

   9. Proactively Tackling Extremism  

Universities and Student Unions must take a firm stance against the celebration of extremism or glorification of proscribed organisations on campus. Swift action should be taken against students who glorify violence or portray terrorists as 'martyrs' through any means. Collaboration with relevant authorities may be necessary when addressing potential security threats. Universities and Student Unions should ensure that support services are readily available for students affected by these incidents. By addressing this issue, institutions can reinforce their commitment to combating antisemitism and fostering a safe environment for Jewish students. 

  10. Celebrating Jewish Life on Campus  

Universities and Student Unions should actively celebrate and accommodate Jewish life on campus. Institutions must be mindful of the timings of Jewish holidays and how they may impact Jewish students’ participation in academic and social activities. Highlighting Jewish holidays and traditions creates a more inclusive environment where Jewish students feel valued and respected. Practical measures, such as adjusting deadlines or scheduling, can also demonstrate cultural sensitivity and understanding. 

 


Letters of Response From Universities UK (UUK) and the National Union of Students (NUS), July 2024

 

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