(As seen in the Jewish News, 5th November - https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/how-jewish-students-are-creating-their-new-normal/)

I know many people believe in-person campus activity now is non-existent because of Covid-19, that people are not meeting and consequently Jewish students are not mingling. This could not be further from reality.

In a sense, we should not be surprised. For more than 100 years of Jewish university life, activity on campus has continued, stubbornly surviving two world wars, a series of devastating recessions and global health issues.

Nine months ago on Holocaust Memorial day, Secretary of State for Communities, Housing and Local Governent, Robert Jenrick MP, made the demand for all universities in the UK to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of antisemitism.

September has been a busy month, that’s for sure!

In continuing our support of Jewish students through our nearly 70 incredible J-Socs, the UJS team have been discussing with J-Soc committees around the UK and Ireland how we can be working closer with and providing more for Jewish students.

With the new academic year starting, the UJS Presidential Elections are already approaching!

As I’ve mentioned in my previous blogs, this year will be far from ordinary. However, I don’t see the current situation we find ourselves in as a barrier to a thriving Jewish experience at university

Jewish Women’s Aid, University Jewish Chaplaincy and the Union of Jewish Students, have come together to bring consent and healthy relationships education to more Jewish students on campus and to professional teams working with Jewish students.

JWA will now work with student groups to expand its already established Safer Dating programme at UK universities. Safer Dating was launched in 2016 and brings relevant and engaging relationships education to 16-25 year-olds across the community, delivering sessions in schools, on campuses, in youth movements and other settings for Jewish young people.

This month has seen the introduction of our amazing new Sabbatical Team, who can’t wait to get stuck in with supporting Jewish students. It has certainly been a long time coming and we are all looking forward to the year ahead!

**Content Warning: Sexual Assault and Rape**

The statement released today (31/07/20) by the AEPi Fraternity is a dangerous attempt to change the narrative surrounding the accusations of sexual assault and rape. UJS calls on AEPi to retract this statement and apologise. AEPi has shown by this statement their clear focus on protecting themselves rather than investigating and dealing with the accusations. They are not the victims in this situation. Until AEPi can get their own house in order, UJS will withdraw all ties with AEPi, including AEPi chapters no longer being able to use UJS spaces on and off campus, no longer supporting or encouraging joint events between UJS and AEPi, and UJS and associated staff no longer providing content or engagement for AEPi. We advise all Jewish societies to do the same with individual local chapters.

We are delighted to announce the team to work with your J-Socs over the next year, our UJS Sabbatical Team 2020-21!

Everyone is really looking forward to facilitate and support your activities on campus. James and all of the other officers can't wait to continue leading, defending and enriching Jewish life on Campus! Keep reading to find out more about the new team!#

When it was announced that I would be the UJS President for 2020-21, I did not expect that my term would be so far out of the ordinary – but we are indeed in unprecedented times!