The Union of Jewish Students and the Board of Deputies have launched a joint project intended “to help Jewish students to combat the BDS movement on campus”.

“Bridges not Boycotts” will provide students with links to resources helping them to oppose BDS. Over 2,000 resource cards will be sent out in UJS starter packs for new students, with a social media campaign due to launch alongside it.

The campaign will emphasise peace and mutual respect, swapping talk of boycotts with that of reconciliation.

Marie Van der Zyl, Board of Deputies vice president, said: “The campaign resource will provide information from our community’s leading experts on understanding the BDS movement, tactics to combat it, and how to build bridges across communities.

“Boycotts are damaging to the university experience; they do nothing other than sow hatred and division, and therefore this resource will empower those who want to bring a more positive message to campus”.

A spokesman for UJS said: “Israel is a big part of many Jewish students’ lives, and they should not feel targeted because of that.

“This campaign represents a big step towards creating a campus environment where students do not feel punished for their identity and one that promotes peace and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

“It brings a variety of communal organisations together to provide support to our students at university.”