Responding to the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia on university campuses, following conflict in the Middle East

At Student Minds, we are deeply worried by what’s happening in Israel and Palestine. Extreme acts of violence have been committed by both the proscribed terrorist organisation, Hamas, and the Israeli government. Tens of thousands of innocent lives have been lost with many others injured, sexually assaulted, remaining missing, held hostage, or displaced. The extent of this violence has been incredibly distressing, and many students may be experiencing intense personal and generational trauma. We extend our deepest sympathies to everybody who has been affected.

We are also deeply concerned by the sharp rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism being reported across the UK, including on university campuses. We have heard reports of students feeling afraid to leave their accommodation, attend lectures, and speak with friends about what they are dealing with. No one should experience this. 

Since the 7th October, the Community Security Trust (CST) has recorded 1,890 antisemitic incidents across the UK, including 140 related to universities. For comparison, in the first six months of 2023, CST recorded just 17 incidents related to universities, and 56 in the whole of 2022. The charity TellMAMA also recorded a total of 895 anti-Muslim cases in the six weeks that followed Hamas’s terror attacks, specifically acknowledging concerns about anti-Muslim language and behaviours at places of education. All of these incidents are unacceptable. 

Student Minds is committed to supporting all students and challenging discrimination and hate where we see it. Below, we have provided information about where to report incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism, as well as where you can find more support and information. We sincerely hope for peace in the Middle East and will continue to keep all those impacted in our thoughts. 

Support and Community

• ‘Managing the impact of global events’ - Student Space
• Union of Jewish Students
• ​Find your JSoc
• Federation of Student Islamic Societies 
• ​Muslim Youth Helpline 
• Jami - Mental health support for Jewish communities

​
Reporting incidents of antisemitism or Islamophobia 

• Reporting hate crime to the police
• TellMAMA 
• ​Community Security Trust ​

More information

• Student Minds adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism in 2022. You can find out more about the IHRA definition on the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s website. 
• ​The Muslim Council of Britain has information about tackling Islamophobia available on their website. 
• ​Middle East Crisis Response Guidance for students, SUs, Officers and student groups, developed by NUS. 

ENDS