Antisemitism trend appears to be waning within the university sector
The number of reported instances of antisemitism within UK universities has fallen for the second year in a row, although this trend comes against a backdrop of rising antisemitism nationally.
In the first six months of 2026, 28 antisemitic incidents were reported by university students and teaching staff, a 20% drop from 35 cases in 2025.
These findings suggest a diminishing trend of antisemitism in the university sector, with some praising the efforts of universities to tackle the issue.
Dave Rich, the director of policy for the Community Security Trust (CST), suggested that the fall was partly as a result of a fall in campus activism related to the pro-Palestinian movement.
Rich said: “There are fewer of the encampments which used to be flashpoints, fewer protests, which can be flashpoints.” Of the nation-wide reports of antisemitism this year, 41% referenced Israel, Palestine, Hamas, or the conflict in Gaza.
Though figures inside academia seem to be improving, incidents of antisemitic behaviour have risen across wider society.
The most recent report by the CST recorded 1,926 antisemitic incidents since 1 January – a 21% increase on last year, and the second-highest total recorded in a half-year period.
Rich also explained that though the number of reported incidents had declined, this does not necessarily mean that the number of incidents has gone down.
To be Jewish at university is to have an identity that is inherently politicised by everyone around you
The Jewish Society VP, University of Manchester
Jewish students may be less likely to report incidents, with many viewing antisemitism as a normalised and relentless feature of university life.
Jewish students at British universities have reported hiding their identity, reportedly hiding symbols of their identity to prevent violent incidents against themselves.
The Jewish Society Vice-President at the University of Manchester, said: “To be Jewish at university is to have an identity that is inherently politicised by everyone around you… That becomes very exhausting because it’s a very difficult place to navigate.”
British universities have improved their responses to antisemitic incidents, with many considering the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition to better tackle incidents.
An independent £7m review into antisemitic incidents inside education is due to be released in Autumn 2026.
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