Antisemitism on UK campuses continued to rise last year, watchdog says

The Community Security Trust (CST) reported that antisemitism on college campuses remained higher in the 2025-2026 academic year compared to pre-October 7 levels, despite a decline since 2023-2024. A total of 178 university-related antisemitic incidents were recorded, with 83 occurring in 2024-2025 and 95 in 2025-2026. This is a stark contrast to the final academic year before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which saw only 53 such incidents.

The majority (149 out of 178) of the incidents were classified as abusive behavior, including verbal abuse, antisemitic comments, graffiti, and written abuse. The most common platform used for these incidents was Instagram. Sixteen of the incidents were perpetrated by university staff and faculty, while 61 were carried out by students, and 28 by student societies or their representatives.

The majority of these incidents had a political motive, with many referencing Israel, Gaza, Hamas, October 7, Hitler, Nazis, or the Holocaust. CST Chief Executive Mark Gardner emphasized that Jews continue to face a serious campus antisemitism problem, stressing that universities must take action against those who abuse, threaten, or target Jews.

UK Education Secretary Lucy Powell echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism and providing training to help university staff identify and respond to incidents swiftly. UK government advisor on antisemitism Lord John Mann added that those who target abusive and threatening behavior should be disciplined and forfeit their privileges in educational institutions.