Similarly, 58 per cent of Russell Group students say that anyone visibly displaying Jewish symbols or clothing is likely to face antisemitism, compared to 45 per cent of overall students.
Over half of students from Russell Group universities agree that pro-Israel student campaigners should expect to face abuse on campus, compared to 38 per cent of overall students, with 31 per cent disagreeing.
StandWithUs UK said the results of the poll “confirms our fears that university campuses have become a platform for hatred of Israel and Jews to thrive, particularly amongst Russell Group universities which claim to be the elite of academia in this country.”
The results come amid news that Cambridge University, a Russell Group member, moved its graduation ceremony on Saturday from Senate House, where it has taken place since the 18th century, to Downing College due to the pro-Palestine protests.
StandWithUs Executive Director, Isaac Zarfati, said: “The survey results confirm what we have been witnessing for a few years: We are in the midst of a historic wave antisemitism fuelled by anti-Zionism. The level of ignorance among the future leaders of the Western society should be a great concern. It serves as a crucial wake-up call for anyone still unaware of the vital role facts and education must play.”
Fieldwork was conducted from 1,024 university students in the UK by Savanta on 19-23 April 2024.
