Jewish Glasgow students say they’ve been subject to ‘constant hostility’ from protestors

Jewish students at the University of Glasgow have raised serious concerns over growing antisemitism and the safety of their community, following a video from the Glasgow University Justice for Palestine Society (GUJPS).

The video includes a chant of “long live the intifada,” a phrase referring to Palestinian uprisings against Israel, which many Jewish students view as an inflammatory call for violence against them. These concerns have intensified amid ongoing protests and tensions surrounding Israel’s military operations in Gaza, with Jewish students accusing the university administration of failing to adequately address their fears.

Anat Kraskin, co-president of the university’s Jewish Society, expressed the deep distress felt by Jewish students, writing in The Herald on Sunday that the video left many “in disbelief” and sparked widespread fear. She argued that while the term “intifada” initially referred to non-violent resistance, it has since become associated with violence, especially in the context of the Second Intifada. She believes the chant is a direct incitement against Jewish people, a view shared by many within the Jewish community at the university.

Naomi, a second year Jewish student at the university, told The Glasgow Tab: “I felt physically sick when I saw the video

“To hear people chanting something that calls for violence against Jews is beyond upsetting. It’s terrifying to know that this kind of rhetoric is being tolerated on campus.”

Ezra, a third year student, told The Glasgow Tab: “I understand people have political views, but there’s a line. When people are calling for violence, especially against Jews, that goes too far

“It feels like the university is turning a blind eye to antisemitism while letting other forms of activism thrive.”

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The protests, which have escalated in response to Israel’s military actions, have seen intense actions such as blockades on University Avenue and hunger strikes by GUJPS members. Their demands include calls for the university to sever ties with arms companies and divest from the arms trade, as well as the banning of “Zionists” from campus—something that Anat argues directly targets Jewish students, as most identify with Zionism, the belief in the Jewish people’s right to a state in their ancestral homeland.

“Every time I walk around campus now, I feel like I’m walking on eggshells,” said Rachel, a Jewish postgraduate student, to The Glasgow Tab. “The calls to ban ‘Zionists’ from campus make me feel like I’m not welcome here anymore. I don’t identify as religious, but I’m still a Zionist. I’m worried about what that means for my safety.”

Anat has strongly criticised the university’s handling of these events. She called for accountability, saying: “I would like to think that if any student expressed support for violence against any religious group on campus, they would be immediately expelled.” She expressed concern that antisemitism is being tolerated under the guise of political activism, questioning whether similar actions would be tolerated if directed at other minority groups.

“I don’t know how much more we can take. It feels like our fears are dismissed or downplayed every time we speak up,” said Daniel, a first year student who has been vocal about his concerns, to The Glasgow Tab. “The university keeps saying they’ll look into it, but nothing ever seems to change.”

In response, the university has reiterated its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all students. A spokesperson emphasised that the institution takes complaints about harmful language seriously and pledged to report any suspected hate crimes to the police. The university also clarified that Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah, the university’s rector, who has voiced opposition to the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, does not reflect the university’s official stance.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for GUJPS defended the use of the term “intifada,” arguing that it is often misunderstood in the context of Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation. They disputed Anat’s view of Zionism, claiming that political Zionism represents ethno-nationalism and should not be conflated with Jewish identity as a whole.

This situation has sparked a wider debate about the intersection of political activism, free speech, and the rights of minority groups on campus. While the university strives to maintain a safe space for diverse opinions, Jewish students feel that the tolerance of certain political expressions is jeopardising their security.

Jewish student leaders, including Anat, are calling for the university to take stronger action against antisemitism and ensure that all students can learn and thrive free from fear and intimidation. The university has pledged to continue engaging with Jewish students and other campus groups to foster a safer, more inclusive environment.

A University of Glasgow spokesperson said: “The University’s priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students and colleagues, and we stand opposed to hate and harassment in any form.

“The University fully recognises the concerns of Jewish students. Senior managers are in regular contact with the University’s Jewish Society as well as with leaders of the Jewish community in Scotland.

“We take complaints received about recent protests on campus extremely seriously.  The University has contacted protesting groups, and everyone across our community, challenging in particular the use of language which is likely to cause harm and distress.

“As a University we have sought to tackle antisemitism, Islamophobia or any other form of racism on campus.  In particular, we engaged extensively with the office of Lord Mann as he undertook an inquiry into Jewish student experiences in Higher Education and Glasgow’s work to address antisemitism is referenced throughout Lord Mann’s report.”

GUJPS have been contacted for comment.

Featured image via Pixabay