A recent survey conducted by University Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC) highlights the impact of the 7 October Hamas attacks on Jewish students in the UK.

The survey found that 41 percent of respondents expressed concerns about returning to campus this academic year. Despite these concerns, 53 percent reported an increased engagement in campus activities, supported by Jewish chaplains.

The survey gathered responses from 400 students, 82 percent of whom were undergraduates. Before the 2023-24 academic year, 53 percent of students expressed worries about antisemitism on campus, while 32.5 percent were concerned about their visibility as Jewish students. Concerns about anti-Zionism were reported by 43 percent. By the end of the year, these concerns had risen significantly, with 67 percent worried about antisemitism, 40 percent about their Jewish identity visibility, and 57 percent about anti-Zionism.

The survey also revealed that over half of the respondents had experienced antisemitism on campus at least once a month since the 7 October attacks, with only 17.5 percent reporting no such incidents.

Despite the challenges, 53 percent of students indicated that their engagement with Jewish life on campus had increased in response to the events in Israel. Additionally, 59 percent of respondents maintained or increased their involvement in broader university life, and 68 percent continued to recommend their university to other Jewish students.

One student noted: “My university has an antisemitism problem, but the more Jewish voices, the better. Jews shouldn’t give up opportunities at prestigious universities out of fear.”

Many students praised the support provided by UJC chaplains, with 94 percent of those who experienced antisemitism feeling supported after making their chaplains aware of the incidents. In the 2023-2024 academic year, UJC recorded over 33,000 student engagements, a significant increase from the previous year.

Sophie Dunoff, UJC's chief executive, emphasized the resilience of Jewish students, stating: “While our students have faced real concerns for their safety and well-being, they have also shown determination in maintaining their Jewish life on campus. Our chaplains have worked tirelessly to offer more opportunities for engagement, and the students have responded in kind.”

She added that despite the challenges of the past year, the Jewish student community has demonstrated resilience, growth, and unity, with a continued commitment to fostering Jewish life on campus.