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Fighting the Blood libel on campus

The following email was sent out to all subscribers on 20-11-25


Fighting the Blood libel on campus

Dear Friend, Last week, we saw the ‘Blood libel’ - one of the oldest antisemitic tropes in history - shared by a lecturer on campus at UCL. Sadly, this is only one abominable case of this nature. We could also tell you about the student whose mezuzah was ripped off her doorpost on Yom Kippur. Or the fresher who had to move out of their university accommodation due to anti-Jewish hate from their flatmates. This cannot be the new normal. Though they would rather be planning activities to enrich the university experience for Jewish students, barely a day goes by when UJC Chaplains are not supporting them to address reported antisemitism, anti-Zionism or infringements on civil liberties. We have already had 25 meetings with Vice-Chancellors and faculty staff since the beginning of term and our resolve is stronger than ever to both secure and enhance Jewish life at British universities.

Life at British universities

With Inter Faith Week falling between 9-16 November, some of our Chaplains had opportunities to engage other faith leaders in dialogue and understanding - important touchpoints that have been much needed, but deeply challenging for the student body over the last two years.

Some of the initiatives our Chaplains undertook for Inter Faith Week included:

  • Cambridge - Rabbi Yekutiel & Netanya Greiff met with other faith leaders at Cambridge Central Mosque to help strengthen community partnerships

  • Liverpool - to mark Interfaith Week, Rabbi Natan Fagleman hosted a dinner with guest speaker Hannah Larn from the Rose Castle Foundation


Inter Faith Week


Alongside this, our Chaplains continue to offer a wider range of programmes at both centrally located and outlying campuses. With activities designed to nourish the body and the soul, social programmes span arts and crafts, pub quizzes, outdoor pursuits, Jewish learning and so much more. Chaplains’ homes are also frequently hives of activity, offering a home-away-from-home and familiar domestic activities like challah making, Friday night dinners, or even just a cup of tea and a listening ear.


English campus roundup:

  • London - Rav Gav hosted Lunch n’ Learns at City, Middlesex, Royal Veterinary College and Royal Holloway universities, welcoming over 50 students

  • Oxford - Rabbi Moish & Tanya Blum’s pub quiz attracted over 25 students and a smores making welfare session brought together over 20 students

  • Lancaster - Rabbi Ephraim Guttentag brought together 25 students for a bagel lunch

  • Keele - Rabbi Natan Fagleman was pleased to visit students here for their first Chaplaincy visit this academic year

  • Nottingham - Rabbi Aviad & Tehila Raviv held an arts and crafts night and a karaoke night for over 40 students

  • Newcastle - with thanks to the Montefiore Endowment, Miriam Lipsey led a challah bake for 12 students, reinforcing the importance of Jewish continuity

  • Leeds - Rabbi Yisroel Meir Zobin and Mindi hosted students for a weekly Lunch ‘n Learn


English campus roundup


Scottish campus roundup:


Rabbi Eliran and Ayalah Shabo were busy hosting many students in their home and driving hundreds of miles across Scotland:


  • Dundee - Six students attended their first Chaplaincy visit on campus this year

  • Edinburgh - Almost 30 students came together for a babka bake in the Shabos’ home

  • Glasgow - In conjunction with the University, the Shabos welcomed 25 students for a pre-Chanukah reception

  • Stirling - A special bagel lunch was thrown by Rabbi Eliran in celebration of the JSoc becoming officially affiliated with the Students Union


Scottish campus roundup


Upcoming Events


Programming will continue until the end of term, so in the interests of catering and security, students are invited to book in for upcoming events without delay:

  • Cambridge - Thanksgiving dinner for American students

  • Oxford - Burger Beit Midrash, every Saturday night

  • Leeds - Lunch ‘n Learn, every Thursday lunchtime

  • Bristol - Learning Group - Fortnightly on Wednesday evenings



As you can see, our work to support Jewish students across the country is relentless and we can only do this with your ongoing support and encouragement. We are proud to be partnering with fellow Jewish charities to highlight the importance and impact of legacy giving through Jewish Legacy Giving Month. As we come to the last 10 days of the campaign, we are encouraged by the strength of support shown across the community.


If you are able to support us with a legacy or donation, please click the links at the bottom of this email.


With best wishes,


Sophie Dunoff, CEO

 
 
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