Antisemitism at UK Universities Rises 14%, Report Finds

Antisemitic incidents linked to British universities rose by 14% during the latest academic year, according to a new report by the Community Security Trust.

CST recorded 95 university-related antisemitic incidents in 2025–26, compared with 83 the previous year. The latest figure is also 79% higher than the 53 incidents recorded in 2022–23, the last full academic year before the October 7 attacks.

Across the two academic years covered by the report, CST documented 178 incidents at 52 higher education institutions in 27 cities. Most involved Jewish students, university staff, or Jewish campus organizations.

The report also documented two university-related incidents classified as “Extreme Violence,” the first such cases CST has recorded in the higher education sector. Both occurred during the 2024–25 academic year, one in Edinburgh and one in Leeds.

CST defines Extreme Violence as an attack involving a threat to life or the potential to cause grievous bodily harm.

Over the two years, CST also recorded six assaults, eight incidents involving damage or desecration of Jewish property and 10 direct threats. Another 149 incidents, or 84% of the total, were classified as abusive behavior.

Examples included threats against Jewish students in university group chats and the destruction of a Holocaust Memorial Day display. In another case, antisemitic words and a Star of David were written on the door of a Jewish student’s accommodation.

CST said 62% of the recorded incidents referenced Israel, Gaza, Hamas, October 7 or the war in Gaza alongside antisemitic language or targeting.

University staff were identified as responsible for 16 incidents, including seven in classroom settings. More than half of the incidents attributed to staff included references to Hitler, Nazism or the Holocaust.

The number of incidents remains below the sharp surge recorded immediately after October 7. CST recorded 272 incidents during the 2023–24 academic year. However, the organization said campus antisemitism remains significantly higher than before the attack.

UK Education Secretary Lucy Powell described the findings as “deeply troubling” and said universities should take a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism.

CST Chief Executive Mark Gardner said universities have a responsibility to ensure Jewish students and staff can study and work without being subjected to abuse, threats or discrimination.