UJS awarded government contract to deliver universities antisemitism awareness training
The £1 million three-year partnership recognises Jewish student organisation's decades of expertise in campus antisemitism education
The Union of Jewish Students has been awarded a one million-pound government tender to deliver antisemitism awareness training at university campuses over the next three years on behalf of the Department for Education.
UJS will recruit five new team members to deliver the new programme; a team leader, evaluation and impact manager, training co-ordinator, administrator and resource development co-ordinator.
Developed in partnership with the government, the contract marks a significant growth of the UJS’s educational work and highlights the department’s commitment to tackling antisemitism in higher education.
UJS chief executive Mervyn Kaye said: “This significant investment will allow us to reach many more campuses, ensuring that Jewish students can study in environments free from antisemitism.”
Calling the funding transformative, he added that the UJS continues “to rely on the generous support of our donors and community partners to sustain the vital work UJS delivers across our other core activities and our full range of services for Jewish students.”
UJS president Louis Danker, whose new 2025-2026 team will deliver the programme, said: “This is a landmark moment for Jewish students across the country. The government’s recognition of our work validates what we’ve known for years – that UJS is uniquely positioned to tackle antisemitism on campus through education and awareness.”
He added: “Our training programmes have made a real difference, and this funding will mean that even more students and staff will benefit from our expertise. We’re excited to welcome new team members who will help us deliver this vital work at a time when it’s needed more than ever.”
Government skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said: “Antisemitism has no place in our universities or anywhere in society and we are taking action to confront it head on. By training staff to recognise and address antisemitism, this crucial work will help ensure Jewish students feel safe, supported, and able to participate fully in university life.”
She added: “Universities have a duty to protect freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law, but we have been clear that this does not extend to unlawful hate speech or incitement of hatred against any individual or group.”