Standing Together, May 2024

Dear Friend, 

This morning, I had the privilege of attending a crucial meeting with the Prime Minister, government Ministers, vice-chancellors from distinguished universities, UJS and CST, regarding the appalling situation that Jewish students are facing on campuses up and down the country. Vice-chancellors were given the opportunity to describe the steps they are taking to protect Jewish students from intimidation and antisemitism. The Secretary of State for Education together with the other Ministers present expressed their concerns over the increasingly hostile environment on campus and leant on the university leaders to take appropriate action to keep their universities safe and welcoming to all. 

During the meeting, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to announce the significant funding pledge of £500,000 from the Department of Education to University Jewish Chaplaincy over the next three years. This funding is a vital step in addressing the severe challenges Jewish students have faced, especially following the traumatic events since October 7 2023, and we are very grateful for the support and recognition.

In response to the Government's funding pledge to UJC, our Chairman, Uri Goldberg, said the following; "Since Hamas' terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, Jewish students and Chaplains have endured a relentless barrage of antisemitism on campuses across the country. Throughout this time, our Chaplains have worked tirelessly to provide residential faith-based welfare support to our Jewish students as they continue their courses as best they can in the midst of continuous waves of hatred and disruption.

Whilst there is much more that needs to be done, today's Government funding is unequivocal recognition of the challenges our students have faced, and we are immensely grateful to the Prime Minister and the Department for Education for their support at this unprecedented time.

We hope that the Government roundtable with Vice Chancellors from some of the UK's leading universities will result in tangible actions to address the hate-fuelled atmosphere and antisemitic abuse that currently exists on British campuses.”

To read more of the Prime Minister’s statement please click here.

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As we reflect on the recent Pesach celebrations on our campuses, we are reminded of the enduring spirit of resilience and community that defines us.

Our students have demonstrated remarkable strength and unity, celebrating our traditions and sharing the richness of Jewish life with their peers.

This Pesach, Chaplains hosted and distributed over 600 meals across various campuses. Pesach Seders were organised on both nights, with hundreds of students in attendance, which were deeply meaningful and incredibly diverse, with some students participating in their first-ever Seder. The celebrations also included a Pesach Friday afternoon schnitzel lunch, Shabbat gatherings and Yom Tov BBQs.

However, the onset of the exam season has brought with it new challenges.

As you will no doubt be aware, encampments have been established across various universities in the UK, some of which have regrettably included elements of antisemitic rhetoric, violence and actions that directly impact our Jewish students. This situation is deeply concerning, as the university environment should be a safe and inclusive space for all students. Chaplains together with their student body have made robust representations to university officials regarding the concerns and intimidation that these encampments are causing. 

Incidents of Concern:

• At Warwick, the establishment of encampments coincided with the university’s open day, with statements made that directly targeted the Jewish community.

• In Leeds, incidents of problematic behaviour surrounding the protests and antisemitic graffiti emanating from the encampment continue to be challenging.

• Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol and other cities have also seen similar protests, some of which included deeply troubling chants and actions.

Our response has been swift and coordinated. University Jewish Chaplaincy, alongside the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), has been actively engaging with university authorities to address these issues directly. We have insisted that antisemitism and all forms of hatred must be unequivocally condemned and that measures are taken to protect all students from intimidation and harm.

Your continued support is crucial. It enables us to advocate effectively, provide resources, and ensure that Jewish life on campus remains vibrant and secure. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and uphold the values of respect and inclusivity.

Thank you for standing with us. Your solidarity empowers our community to face these challenges with courage and determination.

Warm regards,

Sophie Dunoff, Chief Executive Officer