Students in Durham were shocked to discover antisemitic graffiti daubed on their doors this weekend.

According to a report in the Tab student newspaper, vandals drew swastikas and upside down crosses on doors of student accommodation, alongside the words “rape Ali” with an arrow pointing underneath.

Rebecca Sharkey, a Hatfield fourth year, and a resident said: “There was a swastika on the door when we first moved in, but it was faded as the estate agent tried to scrub it off.

“They finally painted over it during the Easter break but obviously someone has come back and painted it on.
“It worries me because it’s only on a few doors so it looks as though we have been targeted by someone.”

Students reported the graffiti to the police and the council.

Anthropology student Kitty Briggs said: “This is the second time that we’ve been vandalised. The first time it was penises and upside down crosses, but now it is swastikas and violent phrases.

“We’re not sure who it is or why our houses are targeted, but knowing that someone who would spread symbols of hate like that was so close to being in our house is a bit scary.
“And our house in particular always seems to be different.”

Another student house was vandalised with a swastika and an SS sign painted on their doors, along with a drawing of a monkey with the words “Muslim monkey” and “Auschwitz” written on the walls.

Simon Zeffert, president of the Durham University Jewish Society said: “It’s deeply disturbing to see these disgusting symbols being graffitied in Durham.

“It doesn’t just affect Jewish people, it’s hostile to all students. I’ll be swiftly reporting it to the Community Security Trust.”