Newly released figures reveal that since October 7, Jewish students are more involved with Jewish student life on university campuses than ever before.

Conducted by the University Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC) just before the summer break, the survey includes the responses of over 400 students from all UK regions where UJC chaplains operate.

Ninety-two per cent indicated that they belonged to a Jewish Society (JSoc) in addition to engaging with the campus Jewish chaplaincy.

Fifty-three per cent of respondents indicated that their engagement with Jewish life on campus had increased as a direct consequence of what happened on October 7, and 59 per cent said they had increased or maintained their involvement in wider university life.

Sushi and cocktails in aid of the University Jewish Chaplaincy (Photo: University Jewish Chaplaincy)

However, the survey also showed that students’ concerns about antisemitism on campus had grown, with just under 53 per cent of students being worried prior to the 2023-2024 academic year. This had risen to 67 per cent by the end of the year.

While 32.5 per cent had been were worried about their visibility as Jews before the 2023-2024 academeic year, this figure had increased to 40 per cent by the end of the year.

Additionally, Jewish students’ concerns over anti-Zionism on campus had leapt from 43 per cent to 57 percent between the start and finish of the academic year.

Forty-one per cent of students surveyed said they were somewhat or very concerned about returning to campus this academic year, a concern which was reflected in the fact that since October 7, more than half of respondents said they had experienced antisemitism on campus at least once a month.

The Leeds University Jewish chaplain and his family were targeted by anti-Israel activists

Sophie Dunoff, CEO of University Jewish Chaplaincy, commented: “These figures don’t particularly surprise me. I could see early in the academic year that while our students were expressing real concerns for their safety and wellbeing, they were also determined to maintain their Jewish life on campus. Our Chaplains worked tirelessly under difficult circumstances, offering more meals, more opportunities for engagement, and events – and the students responded in kind.

“It has been a year of challenge and intimidation for our students, but we can also tell a story of resilience, growth, and togetherness. The answer to hate on campus has to be more Jewish students doing more Jewish things, and we will continue to ensure those opportunities are available in the new academic year,” Dunoff said.

In 2023-2024, the UJC recorded over 33,000 student engagements – from events to support with antisemitism and religious freedom issues – which had increased by over 6,000 from the 2022-2023 academic year.

Many respondents praised the support they received from UJC, with one student stating: “They have been really supportive to the Jewish student community on campus, which is even more incredible, considering they themselves were dealing with a lot after October 7.”

Another student remarked: “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.”