School's Out for the Summer!
- Craig Meltzer
- Jul 18, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 25, 2025
The following email was sent out to all subscribers on 19/07/24
Dear friend,
As we come to the end of the 2023-2024 academic year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your unwavering support of University Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC). This year has been marked by extraordinary challenges and significant achievements, and your commitment has been a beacon of hope for Jewish students across UK campuses.
This academic year has been overshadowed by the tragic events in Israel and the alarming rise in antisemitism that followed, deeply affecting our campuses. Our dedicated team of 17 residential Jewish Chaplains have been on the front lines, providing guidance, comfort, and a sense of belonging to our students during these turbulent times.
Throughout this term, 36 university campuses had pro-Palestinian encampments and these have created a challenging environment for many Jewish students. Our Chaplains’ tireless efforts in advocating for and supporting students have been nothing short of heroic. I am glad to report that at this time of writing there are only 12 still in situ, and UJC will endure to work with our partners to continue this work over the summer.
We have seen an unprecedented increase in antisemitic incidents on campuses, which has necessitated a robust response from UJC. This year, we launched the ‘Crisis on Campus’ fundraising campaign, raising over £860,000 thanks to the generosity of more than 3,000 donors. This critical support has enabled us to enhance our services and reach more students in need.
This academic year, our Chaplains have:
Provided direct assistance to over 1,600 students facing antisemitism.
Dedicated over 4,000 hours to student welfare and mental wellbeing.
Organised events for more than 16,000 students to foster community and solidarity.
Hosted over 9,000 students in home hospitality settings.
Held over 50 meetings with university officials to advocate for student safety and rights.
Engaged in over 31,000 student interactions, offering vital resources and support.
The challenges of this year have underscored the importance of our work. The recent announcement of a £500,000 funding commitment from the Department for Education for faith-based welfare support over the next three years is a testament to the critical role UJC plays in safeguarding Jewish students. We also offer thanks to the DfE, the former and current governments for their steadfast and ongoing support this year.
Our community engagement has been robust, with Chaplains organising educational and cultural events to promote inclusivity and combat antisemitism. From interfaith dialogues and festival celebrations to weekly ‘Dine and Discuss’ sessions, these initiatives have strengthened the bonds within our community.
Campus Highlights
In ensuring that Jewish life continues to flourish on campus, I take comfort in reflecting on the many events that our teams have led this term. These included commemorations for Yom HaZikaron, celebrations for Yom HaAtzmaut, and festive events for Lag B’Omer. In this way, we would like to say a huge thank you to our Chaplains, who have strived to keep student life as normal as possible.
Some of the highlights this term include:
University of Oxford: For the first time, the Chaplains and Oxford students partnered with the local community to host a Yom HaZikaron event. This was followed by a BBQ to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, which brought everyone together in a spirit of unity and remembrance.
University of Cambridge: Cambridge saw a significant turnout for their Yom HaZikaron event, reflecting the strong sense of community and solidarity amongst students. They also held a Yom HaAtzmaut celebration at the Chaplain’s home, and a special Tefilla Chagigit (celebratory prayer service), marking the holiday with prayer and festivity.
University of Nottingham: The Chaplains hosted an event for Yom HaZikaron with over 50 attendees which was followed by a BBQ for Yom HaAtzmaut. Additionally, students recently enjoyed a Shabbaton in the Peak District, where they organised activities, Torah learning, and meals, even witnessing the Northern Lights!
University of Leeds: Rabbi Zecharia and Nava partnered with Jsoc for a Yom Hazikaron ceremony at Hillel House, featuring powerful student speeches, and special Israeli songs. The event, attended by over 100 people, was deeply meaningful. Students then celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut with a festive Maariv, BBQ, Israeli music, and cocktails.
Scotland: Our Scotland Chaplain, Rabbi Eliran Shabo, was invited to speak at the Scottish Parliament’s ‘Time for Reflection’. Every week, they invite a faith leader to give a few minutes talk before they open the week. To watch and hear Rabbi Eliran please click here.
March Of The Living
Shima Dvir, Nottingham & East Midlands Chaplain
In April, our Nottingham Chaplain, Shima was fortunate enough to join March of the Living on their trip to Poland, representing UJC. She shares her reflections on the trip below:
I love mugs.
If you make coffee in our house you won’t miss it.
And if you ask my husband Uriya, he will go on and on about how I need to start getting rid of some.
But, if people would make me pack up quickly, knowing in the back of my head I will never come back,
Which one will I choose?
Our guide in Auschwitz shared the story of her father-in-law, a political prisoner who survived Auschwitz. He said that to survive, the main thing, was to have one true friend.
March of the Living UK generously invited me to join this year, and Chaplaincy kindly agreed. I was a part of the interfaith group; Muslim, Christians, a Sikh and Jews from various backgrounds. Experiencing these difficult places with them, places where my family were murdered, felt like the only way to do it. We all walked together through it, asking each other questions, supporting each other, hand in hand, heart to heart.
Being a part of this group in these difficult times,
Where we feel so alone,
When “never again” is actually now,
Made me realise,
To survive,
Now
We need one true friend,
And maybe then,
I won’t have to pick a favourite mug.
As the academic year draws to a close, it’s time to acknowledge the departure of our cherished Chaplaincy Couples. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Rabbi Michael & Tracey Rosenfeld-Schueler (Oxford), Rabbi Zecharia & Nava Deutsch (Leeds) and Rabbi Ben & Atira Baruch (Cambridge) who are parting ways with UJC after an incredible 16 years of devoted service. Their commitment to the students, particularly in a challenging final year, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your dedication will be fondly remembered by everyone at UJC. We hope the path ahead is filled with only good things, wishing Hatzlacha, the best of luck to all leavers this year!
We anticipate that the coming year will continue to present challenges, but with your backing, we are ready to meet them head-on. And so your continued support means everything. It empowers us to advocate passionately, provide our community with necessary resources, and maintain a dynamic and safe Jewish presence on campus ensuring that there is robust faith-based welfare support for all. Together, we can make a real difference in our students’ lives while simultaneously promoting respect and inclusivity for all.
Thank you for standing with us. Your solidarity strengthens our community and enables us to face challenges with resilience and determination.
Warm regards for the summer break,
Sophie Dunoff,
Chief Executive Officer
