University of Leeds students speak out about facing increased anti-semitism on campus

Leeds students and their families are speaking out about the increased anti-semitism they’ve faced on university campuses.

They say since last October, they’ve been left having to hide their religious identity due to fear of repercussions from their peers and even staff members.

The University of Leeds has been at the forefront of the Pro-Palestine protests sweeping the nation, with an encampment taking place last semester.

Consequently, a number of Jewish students, along with their families have said this has resulted in them being the victim of rising antisemitic incidents across campus.

A report published by the Community Security Trust (CST) revealed a 465 per cent increase in antisemitic incidents in higher-education settings in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year.

Altogether, 96 university-related incidents were reported to the CST, a staggering increase from 17 in 2023, exhibiting a growing rise in anti-semitism.

The Leeds Tab spoke to Jewish students and notable figures in the Leeds Jewish community at a vigil for victims of the 7th October attacks about facing growing anti-semitism at university.

The students who attended the event explained their apprehensiveness towards displaying their religion with one saying: “I feel like we have to hide who we are, whether it be to like professors or other students in our class.

“I don’t really feel comfortable saying it, because you don’t know how they might react.”

He added: “People shouldn’t really feel like they need to hide their identity. It takes us back to our ancestors and how they felt.”

He also stressed how he was actively discouraged from wearing the Star of David and his kippah by his parents in fear of his safety.

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“I don’t want to bring an unnecessary target onto myself, as much as I am proud to be who I am, I don’t want people being really aggressive to me,” he told The Leeds Tab.

Another attendee also stressed the importance of distinguishing between Zionism and Judaism stating: “They can protest Zionism, but it’s completely different to being a Jew. So there’s no reason to be antisemitic even if you disagree with Zionism.”

A prominent Rabbi, who wanted to remain anonymous, spoke out about his concerns surrounding the growing discrimination towards Jewish people.

He told The Leeds Tab: “Physical and verbal aggression towards the Jewish community has increased to a level, where Jews can’t display their religion in fear of facing backlash.”

Leeds students and their parents also talked to CNN about their fears and apprehensions about being openly Jewish in university.

One mother, whose son recently began his studies at the University of Leeds told CNN: “My son was so excited to be starting this new chapter but it was such a shame this excitement was tainted with a fear of being judged for being Jewish: he felt it might be harder to make friends as people would think all Jews are Zionist and all Zionists are evil.”

Another mother explained that she had instructed her daughter not to wear any jewellery that showed her Jewish identity as she believed that the hostile climate on university campuses would prove detrimental to her daughter’s safety.

She attributed the rise in anti-semitism to the 7th October attacks, adding: “So many people are now so unashamedly vocal and confident in expressing their antisemitism that it fills us with the deepest fear that our child could be exposed to this on campus without our protection.”

In February, Hillel House, a hub for Jewish students on campus, was vandalised with antisemitic graffiti. Furthermore, a Jewish chaplain at the University of Leeds was sent death threats after it surfaced that he was an IDF reservist.

The Leeds Tab reached out to the University of Leeds regarding the concerns presented by members of the Jewish community. A spokesperson said: “We know that many in our community will be finding this to be an incredibly difficult and distressing time. The safety and wellbeing of all our students remains our priority and, alongside Leeds University Union, we continue to do all we can to maintain the cohesion of our whole University community.

“Anti-semitism, Islamophobia, abuse, or harassment of any kind is not acceptable. The University does not support any views or actions which seek to exclude or make Jewish, Muslim or any other people unwelcome on campus.”

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