Birmingham student says antisemitism still rife on campus
A University of Birmingham student says more needs to be done to tackle antisemitism on campus.
Last updated 2nd Oct 2026
The chair of the University of Birmingham’s Jewish Society says more needs to be done to make Jewish students feel safe on campus, as new figures show reports of antisemitism at UK universities remain significantly higher than before the October 7th attacks in 2023.
Ari Sheldon, a second-year International Relations student, said he has experienced antisemitism since arriving at university, which has left him feeling "scared" and "alone."
The 20-year-old said other students have aimed abusive comments towards him throughout his studies, using harmful Jewish stereotypes which he believes have become normalised and seen as a joke.
He also said their Jewish society has been coined by some as the 'secret society,' because they have had to keep many of their events and locations private, after threats of protests, or harm to members of their community.
"We had an incident last year where an event was leaked," Mr Sheldon said.
"People tried to storm the venue and try and get in while they were protesting outside.
"And it was just an event about Jewish life on campus."
He reiterated that he has met many friendly students who have made him and other Jewish people feel welcome at the university, but said some target the Jewish community in the UK as being to blame for the ongoing Middle East conflict.
"Sadly, there are a few loud people that go onto campus with the idea that it's better to create hate in division rather than just be friends and create a community."
The student emphasised that the University of Birmingham have given Jewish students some support, but in many cases it feels like they are taking 'two steps forward and then one step back."
He said he wants clearer and stronger reporting processes for Jewish students at the university.
"It's really important because if Jewish students can't report these things and don't feel the university supports them, then nothing will be actually tackled.”
Rise in reports of antisemitism
Mr Sheldon's comments come after the Community Security Trust (CST) said it received 95 reports of antisemitic incidents affecting Jewish students, academics, university staff or campus organisations in the 2025/26 academic year, with most incidents being classed as abusive behaviour.
That was a 14% rise from 83 reports in 2024/25.
The CST said the latest figures are below the “unprecedented” 272 reports recorded in 2023/24, but there is now a “baseline level of antisemitism that is significantly higher” than before 7th October 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel.
Mr Sheldon said Jewish students at Birmingham need to remain proud of their identity and remain "resilient", but he believes the university and wider society need to take antisemitism more seriously.
Despite Birmingham historically being known as a strong centre for Jewish student life, he claimed the number of Jewish freshers this year is the lowest it has been in 40 years, which he said may be linked to the Maccabi Tel Aviv football issues last year.
The CST has said that institutions should make clear the difference between anti-Israel speech or activity and antisemitism.
Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of the CST, said: “Universities have a duty to ensure that Jewish students and staff can study, work and participate on campus the same as anyone else.
“Sympathy is not enough, it needs action against those who abuse, threaten or target Jews, whether they are students, staff or external activists.”
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott accused some universities of “simply not doing enough” to crack down on antisemitic incidents.
She said: “Antisemitism is becoming frighteningly endemic in our universities.”
A University of Birmingham spokesperson said: "The University of Birmingham is proud to be home to a diverse community of students and staff, and is committed to ensuring the safety of all in this community. We will not tolerate antisemitism or any other form of discrimination, and encourage students to report any incidents of alleged harassment to us directly. We will always investigate and take appropriate action.
“The University’s community safety and security teams are available 24/7 and we offer a 'Report and Support Service' for students, as well as a wide range of wellbeing services. Our Safe Zone mobile app allows any member of our community to report directly to the Security control room if they see, hear or experience anything of concern. Students can access emotional support at any time through our dedicated helpline, UB Heard.”