Welcome Back to Campus

The following email was sent out to all subscribers on 19/09/24

Here we are, welcoming students both fresh and returning back for a new academic year after a much-needed summer break and some time to reflect on the hundreds of submissions to our bi-annual student survey. The final term of the last academic year was particularly troubling and students were not shy in sharing their stresses with us, in this first national Jewish student survey since the tragic and horrific events of October 7th.

Whilst there is a disappointing yet unsurprising rise in antisemitic hate reported by Jewish students, they have been steadfast in their presence and resilience. Our data shows that students have never been more engaged with active participation in Jewish life on campus. The numbers are now in and we are proud to say that we have had over 33,000 student contacts documented at over numerous campuses from the south coast to the Scottish Highlands. The 2023-24 academic year has seen the highest number of student contacts since records began in 1969.

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At the time of polling (August 2023), unsurprisingly, 41% of Jewish students surveyed said they were somewhat or very concerned about returning to campus for this academic year. Over 50% of students said they had experienced antisemitism on campus at least monthly since October 7th; of those who experienced antisemitism, only 47% felt supported by their university since then.

Our Chaplains remain on the front-line supporting students with 53% reported having engaged more in Jewish life on campus since the attacks and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts. Just under 40% of those surveyed have relied on their Chaplain more, and 53% have engaged more in Jewish life on campus this year. We are pleased that our Chaplains’ efforts are acknowledged overall, with 81% of respondents endorsing our work in the survey. Of those who experienced antisemitism post October 7th, 94% of those who made their Chaplain aware of what had happened felt supported by them.

Ultimately, it’s our job to minimise the impact of this negativity and help Jewish students live enriched Jewish lives, creating a home-away-from-home, celebrating our customs and culture throughout the university years and beyond. We agree with Louis Danker, final year student and former president of Edinburgh JSoc when he said in a recent piece for Jewish News, “I reject the idea that Jewish life on campus should be defined by those who sow hate… No one can take away the agency of Jewish students to define our Jewish campus lives.”

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In fact, Freshers’ Week has already kicked off in Scotland and Rabbi Eliran and Ayalah Shabo have been busy welcoming this year’s cohort with Freshers Fayres bringing renewed hope and Jewish pride to Scottish campuses across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Herriot Watt and St. Andrews. The Shabos also hosted over 30 students for Friday night dinner at their house. After last year’s challenges, some students may feel wary about starting university, but Eliran and Ayalah are keen to show that UJC offers a home away from home for Jewish students in Scotland.

We are also excited to welcome three new Chaplaincy Couples to the Bristol & Western, Leeds & Yorkshire and Oxford Regions, who will continue the work of their predecessors build strong and active Jewish student communities:

For now, all that is left for me to say is a huge welcome to all the new Jewish students and Chaplaincy Couples in 2024 as preparations start in earnest for Rosh Hashanah in two weeks’ time.

Best wishes,

Sophie Dunoff,

Chief Executive Officer