UJS held its annual Convention that saw almost 400 Jewish students from across the UK and Ireland come together for an exceptional and fun-filled weekend of learning, discussion, debate and celebration of all forms of Jewish life.  

UJS held its annual Convention that saw almost 400 Jewish students from across the UK and Ireland come together for an exceptional and fun-filled weekend of learning, discussion, debate and celebration of all forms of Jewish life.  

Students participated in over 30 diverse sessions led by guest speakers including a senior politician, a Ukranian refugee, a far-right infiltrator, leadership experts from UJIA, experts on antisemitism from CST, opportunities beyond campus from masa and so much more. Jewish students also ran peer-led sessions on antisemitism, mental health, diaspora relations with Israel, women’s rights, utilising social media, and much more. 

Much of this weekend was made possible thanks to the support from Oxford and St Georges Jewish Youth Trust in memory of Michael Henriques who passed away recently and was a long standing trustee, and relative of Sir Basil Henriques who founded Oxford and St George’s in 1914. UJS also received support from the Jewish Youth Fund to develop and produce the UJS Shabbat Companion – “Kol Shabbat” - which includes the entirety of kabbalat shabbat as well as kiddush, birkat hamazon, havdallah and so much more. This one-of-a-kind publication can be used no matter the denomination or service it is used in. Additional funding for the weekend was raised as part of UJS’ ongoing fundraising commitment to supporting and providing for Jewish students.  

UJS Convention also played host to the final of UJS' Jewniversity Challenge, which saw Bristol beat LSE In a tense head-to-head, ending In a nail-biting tie-breaker! 

Following an exceptional and truly cross-communal Shabbat, Sunday meant the return of UJS’ annual Conference including digital participants over Zoom.  

A total of 103 motions were brought to conference by Jewish students leading up to convention. Motions covered a wide array of areas of Jewish life on campus and provided a day of rigorous debate and flourishing student democracy. Motions that were passed by conference will now become policy for the next three years. These Included on topics such as Antisemitism denialism, commitment to democracy In Israel, Jewish learning, and so much more.  

Students also gave speeches to start the election for the UJS National Council, as well as to become Deputies to the Board of Deputies of British Jews.  

Rounding off an incredible Shabbaton was the announcement of the UJS Presidential election results. Edward Isaacs was announced as UJS President for 2023-24. 

Jodie Franks, UJS’ Head of Programming, who organised the sessions for the Shabbaton said: 

“For me, Convention was a culmination of everything beautiful about Jewish students. Watching hundreds of students come together, singing together from the same Shabbat Companion, and learning from one another is what gives me hope for the future of diaspora Jewry.” 
 

On Conference, Faye Huberman, UJS’ Head of Campaigns, said: 

It was incredible to watch Jewish students having their say, especially after the events of the past year in student politics. Hundreds of students made their views heard on topics they are passionate about, with lively debate and discussions reflecting the diversity of Jewish students from across the UK and Ireland. Looking ahead, I am excited to see these policies implemented and ensure that Jewish student voices continue to be heard. 

Summarising a fantastic weekend, Joel Rosen, UJS President said: 

“I’m deeply inspired by this coming together of hundreds of Jewish students. It was a Shabbat like no other that will stay with me forever - from the five different simultaneous services on Friday night to over a hundred students signing late into the night at the tisch. This Shabbat saw our ideals actualised.  Baroness Ruth Anderson shared her story - forty minutes after the session our activists were still asking questions and drawing strength from her resilience.  

The coaches leaving convention, was a bittersweet moment, I have to admit there was a lump in my throat and I wanted it to go on for forever, but I’m glad that the students will take the memories from this incredible Shabbat back home with them.”