CST launches campus antisemitism hotline

CST already runs a helpline the general Jewish population, but Mark Gardner, CST chief executive, told the JC that a helpline specifically for students would enable them to have tailored support. “This helpline reaffirms CST’s commitment to protecting Jewish students on campus, enhancing their safety and wellbeing… [and]will be a direct point of contact for students with CST and our many partners, offering confidential support, guidance, and access to specialist care whenever it is needed.”

CST said that the dedicated helpline would make the system of reporting incidents more efficient, enabling quicker intervention and assistance.

The line would also run in conjunction with a collaborative care network, with CST working closely with partner organisations to triage cases and connect victims to specialist support services. These would include mental health care, campus advocacy and assistance with reporting complaints to authorities.

“No student should face antisemitism alone,” said Gardner. “With this helpline, CST is giving every student access to immediate support, day or night. This adds to our existing reporting mechanisms. It means CST and our many partners will be better able to give students the care, advice and protection they deserve.”

The announcement comes two weeks after a national march through London against antisemitism, organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). There, student Tali told how she had been ostracised and had become the subject of antisemitic abuse  from her first day at university. “On my second day, I was so scared, I had my brother escort me to my classes. Most of them decided to stop talking to me from then on, and there was a sense of hostility in the air.”

After she challenged a walk-out by pro-Palestine students on her campus, the abuse – primarily on social media – got worse, to the point that she “began to feel afraid about of might happen if I attended my classes again, classes I paid to attend”.

Gardner said he hoped the helpline would encourage students to report antisemitism to CST. “This initiative aims to empower students to speak out, seek help, and feel safe in their academic environments. CST’s priority is to ensure that Jewish students can go about their day-to-day lives, free from harassment and anti-Jewish hatred.”

Students can access the helpline by calling 07578201999

If you are in immediate danger, phone 999.