The number of antisemitic incidents on British university campuses is climbing, according to CST, the organization that monitors such events. Its data show 95 “university-related” cases in the 2025-26 academic year, an increase from 83 the previous year. The charity’s findings suggest Jewish students and staff continue to face a significant issue.
The numbers are back on the rise after a dip. They remain substantially higher than before the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. The war in Gaza was triggered by that attack, and Israel’s response has killed around 74,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The Numbers at a Glance
CST defines an antisemitic incident as “university-related” if it concerns a student, member of staff or academic in their academic or student capacity, including on campus and online. The charity’s report found that two-thirds of the incidents involved antisemitic language or targeting alongside references to Israel, Gaza, Hamas, the 7 October attack, and the subsequent conflicts in the Middle East.
Abusive behaviour, which included verbal abuse, remarks made in person or online, and antisemitic graffiti, was the most frequent kind of incident. In 2024-25 there were two cases of extreme violence, the first time this had occurred. Six assaults were reported across both years. Eight incidents involving damage and desecration to Jewish property were reported, with five of those occurring in student accommodation. Ten threats were also reported.
Government and Industry Responses
England’s education secretary, Lucy Powell, described the findings as deeply troubling. She said: “We expect universities to take a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism, and are providing training to help university staff identify and respond to incidents swiftly.”
The body representing over 140 higher education institutions has said its staff need to “protect Jewish students and staff”, describing the situation as a “serious concern”. Vivienne Stern, who leads UUK, added that the increase in antisemitic incidents across the UK, including on university campuses, is a serious concern.
According to Stern, universities owe it to Jewish students and staff to guard them against mistreatment, and to make sure that both students and staff can recognize when the expression of a firmly held opinion crosses into antisemitism and harassment. UUK has collaborated with groups such as CST on guidance meant for universities. Stern also noted that there was “more to do, particularly in building confidence in the effectiveness of disciplinary processes”.
CST’s Chief Executive Speaks
Mark Gardner, CST’s chief executive, said “Jews are still facing a very serious campus antisemitism problem” and it was “particularly troubling that a growing proportion of the anti-Jewish actions involve university staff”.
The remark was made about how universities had “a duty to ensure that Jewish students and staff can study, work and participate on campus the same as anyone else”.
The Report’s Findings
The CST report examined the past two academic years. Incidents fell in 2024-25 but grew again in 2025-26. In 2022-23, before the 7 October attack, CST recorded 53 incidents. That grew to 272 in 2023-24, the peak year.
According to CST’s report, criticism of Israel and Zionism is not necessarily antisemitic on its own. However, the data demonstrates that anti-Zionist language is often used alongside hostility toward Jews and Jewish organisations.
The Context Behind the Numbers
The 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s response has killed around 74,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
A grim picture of a campus atmosphere that has become more hostile since that attack was provided by the CST’s report.
The Human Cost
Verbal abuse, assaults, damage to property, and threats all carry a personal cost. Two instances of extreme violence were reported.
The 74,000 figure was provided by the Hamas-run health ministry. The 1,200 dead and 251 hostages share the same source.
The Road Ahead
The CST’s report demonstrates that the figures have risen, and both the government and the sector are now taking action. However, those measures are fresh, and the underlying issue runs far deeper than they address.
The fact that Stern admits there is still work to be done on disciplinary processes points to a guidance document that has not yet reached its final form.
Key Figures From the Report
- 95 “university-related” incidents in 2025-26, up from 83 the year before
- 53 incidents in 2022-23, before the 7 October attack
- 272 incidents in 2023-24, the peak year
- Two occurrences of extreme violence in 2024-25, the first time this happened
- Six reported assaults across both years
- Eight incidents of damage and desecration to Jewish property, five in student accommodation
- Ten threats reported
The fighting in Gaza began after Hamas struck Israel on 7 October 2023. Jewish students and staff face antisemitism as part of daily life, and the statistics reveal that it is not disappearing on its own.
Source material: “Antisemitism on the rise at universities, charity warns,” the BBC.
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