Jewish students call for action after two years of rising antisemitism

After two years of rising hostility and fear, UJS and Jewish students across the UK and Ireland are drawing a line in the sand. On campuses where antisemitism and extremist rhetoric have too often gone unchallenged, we are all calling for one thing: meaningful change.

We, at the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), have launched ‘Time for Change’, a campaign that amplifies Jewish student voices to the highest levels of government and creates a space for students to share their lived experiences of antisemitism, extremism, and exclusion, alongside stories of resilience, pride, and community.

‘Time for Change’ builds upon the success of our previous campaign, ‘Stand Against Terror’, which confronted the glorification of Hamas and extremist rhetoric on campuses. That work led to tangible results.

Protests glorifying terrorism on 7 October were cancelled or condemned by universities, and national leaders took notice. The Office for Students Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom, Arif Ahmed, issued specific guidance reminding universities of their duty to protect Jewish students. The Secretary of State for Education and Universities UK echoed UJS’s message that terror and hate have no place in education. The police launched multiple investigations into extremist campus groups.

Through sustained government engagement, including a recent meeting at Number 10 with education and faith officials, we are ensuring that Jewish student voices are being heard at the highest levels of decision-making. Time for Change ensures that Jewish students voice can be further amplified, highlighting our true commitment to advocating on behalf of every Jewish student.

The progress achieved through ‘Stand Against Terror’ opens the door to a new phase of advocacy. ‘Time for Change’ uses that momentum to ensure Jewish students shape the solutions they need to lead a meaningful and enriched Jewish life on campus. Through collecting testimony, UJS is building a national picture of what Jewish student experiences look like today, from instances of antisemitism to examples of strength, leadership, and unity within Jewish Societies.

These testimonies will be compiled into a report presented next year, ensuring the experiences of Jewish students are heard by those with the power to make change.

At the heart of this campaign lies a simple vision: that Jewish students deserve what every student deserves, the right to an education in peace, safety, and happiness. Despite the challenges of recent years, Jewish life on campus continues to thrive. Thousands of students will soon gather for UJS’s two biggest events of the year, Booze for Jews and our annual UJS Convention, celebrating the resilience, pride and democracy that define Jewish student life today.

‘Time for Change’ marks not just a campaign, but a commitment to a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Jewish future on campus.

Jewish students can share their experiences here. 

• Harry Isaacs, Campaigns Sabbatical Officer for UJS 2024/25.