UJS campaign brings local MPs together with Jewish students for Friday night dinner
Initiative has already taken place at Nottingham, Leeds, York, Bristol, Cambridge and Keele universities
Jewish Societies across the UK have been welcoming local MPs to student Friday night dinners as part of a national campaign led by the Union of Jewish Students.
The project has already taken place in Nottingham, Leeds, York, Bristol, Cambridge and Keele, with other JSocs to follow shortly, and reflects UJS’s ongoing commitment to empowering Jewish students to build relationships, share their experiences and drive positive change on campus.
The initiative brings MPs into Jewish student spaces to experience Friday Night Dinner first-hand, meet Jewish students in their local communities, and take part in meaningful conversations about Jewish life on campus today.
Mark Sewards, MP for Leeds South West and Morley and the honorary chair of Labour Friends of Israel, said: “It was a real pleasure to join students at Leeds University JSoc for their Friday Night Dinner, 14 years after my last dinner with them as a student at the University. I’m very grateful to UJS for extending an invitation.
“As someone who loved my time at Leeds and always had a great relationship with the JSoc, it’s fantastic to see how vibrant, dynamic and resilient the community is today; still the biggest JSoc in the country, just as they were when I was a student! I was struck by how thoughtful and passionate the students are about their Jewish heritage, and I loved hearing about their work on campus.”
Damien Egan, MP for Bristol North East said: “It was a pleasure to meet everyone, and we enjoyed the frank and open conversations. I wish all the students every success with their studies.”
In response, Josh, the president of Bristol Jewish society, said: “We are extremely grateful to have hosted Damien. He spoke to so many of our members about everything from Jewish life on Bristol campus, to PMQs, and many students told me it was their favourite FND all year!”
Samantha Cass, UJS head of campaigns, said: “Friday Night Dinner is such an important part of Jewish student life – a moment of community, belonging and celebration at the end of the week.
“We are proud to see so many Jewish societies across the country welcoming their local MPs into that space, sharing their experiences, and having open and constructive conversations about what it means to be a Jewish student today. This campaign is about building understanding, strengthening relationships, and ensuring Jewish students feel seen, heard and supported on campus and beyond.”
- The Union of Jewish Students supports more than 10,000 Jewish students across 80 Jewish Societies (JSocs), delivering national advocacy, educational programming, and welfare support.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
