Rise in UK Campus Antisemitism and German Chancellor's Security Warning
A UK report reveals a 14% rise in antisemitic incidents at universities, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns that Jewish life is no longer safe.
A worrying trend regarding antisemitism has emerged in the United Kingdom, where the Community Security Trust (CST) published its annual report on antisemitic incidents at universities. According to the data released today (Wednesday), university-related antisemitic incidents increased by 14% over the past year.
The report recorded 95 university-related antisemitic incidents, compared to 83 the previous year. However, this represents a decrease from the peak figures recorded in 2024, roughly a year after the October 7 massacre. Universities UK (UUK), representing over 140 institutions, stated that its members "must protect Jewish students and staff," adding that the CST report's findings are deeply concerning.
Government Response in London
British Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson remarked: "The findings in the report are very troubling. We expect universities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism and are providing training to help staff quickly identify and respond to incidents." In the academic year prior to the October 7 attacks, the CST recorded 53 antisemitic incidents, a figure that surged to 272 in 2024.
"The findings in the report are very troubling. We expect universities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism," said British Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
Warnings from Germany on Jewish Security
Meanwhile, following regional elections in two key German states—Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern—which saw heavy losses for mainstream parties and gains for fringe factions, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Jewish life in the country is no longer safe.
Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Merz stated that Germany is experiencing a rising, radical, and overt form of antisemitism that even receives applause. He noted deep concern that this sentiment encounters no resistance among certain segments of society, calling it a profound challenge for all democratic parties in Germany.
