Over the past year, we have been inspired by the remarkable way so many university students have come together, proud of their Jewish identity and eager to gain even more from Jewish life and learning. Our Israel education programme, which two years ago had just forty students enrolled, last year saw over one hundred and forty participants, a staggering increase. This surge reflects a growing desire among students and young professionals not only to deepen their connection to Judaism but also to defend our community and values. This commitment is truly inspiring.
However, the challenges on campus are undeniable. Six months ago a Daily Telegraph report concluded that Russell Group universities have experienced a five-fold increase in antisemitic incidents since October 7. During term time, these incidents remain a looming threat. The Jewish Learning Exchange has had had to advertise our campus events exclusively through WhatsApp groups, avoiding any public signs or posters around the university campuses. This precaution is necessary to prevent our social and educational gatherings, events where students seek to gain Jewish knowledge and build positive connections, from being overrun by thugs intent on spreading hate.
During a March trip for Oxford University students, a young participant shared with us that it was the first time since October 7 that she had felt safe expressing her Jewish identity to her course and college peers. She spent five months fearful and hiding who she was. Sadly, far more than a few students have contacted our teams on campuses, afraid to leave their rooms and genuinely fearful due to the rising tide of antisemitism.
There was a time when parents and grandparents would comment, at least to me, that today’s Jewish students were disengaged, with little connection to their Jewish identity. Yes, they might carry fond memories of Jewish school, summer camp or youth group, remembering a few holiday songs or words in Hebrew, but their allegiance to the Jewish People was often seen as minimal and even dispensable. Some believed our Jewish students were more interested in being absorbed into university life, whether through recreational activities or the various national causes, from politics to climate change.
Their Jewish identity, people would remark, was sidelined to say the least.
Yet over the past year we have, as a community, witnessed a different reality. Jewish students across the country are reaffirming their commitment, strengthening their Jewish identity and seeking to do more. It is our responsibility as a community to support them fully. This means providing the educational training, mental health support, security, and safe spaces they need to continue growing throughout their years on campus.
The JLE, like other organisations, is working on this. We have expanded further, into the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, and Leeds this year and we are now planning to establish a new student hub in Central London. This will offer Jewish students a safe space to gather, socialise, study, and build connections and confidence, to cultivate their Jewish identity.
In these challenging times, through encampments, protests, and intimidation, both online and in the streets of Britain’s university towns, the resilience and determination of our Jewish students have been a beacon of hope. The community stands with them, ready to support and empower them as they continue to grow and thrive in their Jewish journey
Rabbi Benjy Morgan is CEO of the Jewish Learning Exchange
