This is why yellow ribbons have appeared on the University of Exeter’s campus

Many students have noticed the yellow ribbons that have appeared on the University of Exeter’s Streatham campus, but what do these actually mean and represent?

These ribbons have been tied in numerous places around campus including Forum Hill and outside the Amory Building, and are to raise awareness for the hostages in Gaza.

On 19th January 2025, the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel came into effect, and these ribbons are part of a nationwide campaign to remind people of the plight faced by the remaining hostages on both sides of the conflict.

They have appeared in other UK universities including Birmingham, Leeds, Cambridge, Sussex and Nottingham, with one student in Leeds saying they “feel it is [their] duty to maintain a dialogue about [the hostages] until every single one is home”.

The University of Exeter’s Jewish Society spoke to The Exeter Tab about the sudden appearance of the ribbons across campus. One member said: “Last Monday, members within our society noticed yellow ribbons tied on campus. We knew instantly what they were for. We asked around who had put them up and no one came forward. It seems to be a few anonymous individuals.

“We later found out that Leeds, Cambridge, Sussex, Nottingham and a few other uni campuses all had the same ribbons appear Monday morning as well!

“It makes our community feel heard and believe the ribbons are not only a symbol for the hostages to come home but for peace!”

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According to Jewish News, Sami Berkoff, the Union of Jewish Students’ president, said: “Jewish students are not alone in fighting to keep the awareness and understanding of the plight of the hostages in Gaza present.” And by raising awareness on campus, the Union is campaigning “until every hostage is returned home.”

With students taking action, Sami continued by saying how “proud” it makes him, adding: “Our students are stepping up and ensuring their voices are heard loudly and clearly!”

By using the yellow ribbons in a non-disruptive way of taking action, this allows for the support of the campaign to bring home the hostages from Gaza relevant, topical and “deeply moving”.

Arieh Miller, Union of Jewish Student’s chief executive, also stated: “It has been 485 days since they have seen or spoken with their families, their friends, and their community. We cannot live in a world where their plight loses momentum until every one of them is home.”

He added that whilst there is uncertainty over whether other universities will follow suit, he said it’s “abundantly clear that Jewish students will not be silent on the issues of the hostages”.