09 August 2024
StandWithUs UK expresses deep concern regarding the alarming rise in antisemitism, as highlighted in the recent CST Antisemitism Report.
With proper law enforcement, education stands as the most potent tool for transforming this situation, especially within schools and universities , where the biggest rise in antisemitism has been recorded.
Regrettably, some still believe that avoiding dialogue and education about Israel will de-escalate tensions when the opposite proves true. Avoidance only perpetuates ignorance and fosters hostility. By addressing ignorance head-on, significant positive change can be achieved in the coming years.
Key findings from the CST report underscore the urgency of addressing this issue: 52% of all incidents are linked to Israel , the Palestinians, or the current conflict. There has been a 465% increase in antisemitic incidents in higher education . Jewish schools saw a 100% increase in antisemitic incidents while non-Jewish schools saw a rise of 300% in incidents involving Jewish schoolchildren or staff.
StandWithUs UK urges the opening and encouragement of more schools and universities, particularly those with non-Jewish majorities, to engage in professional and credible education about Israel, its history, and its challenges.
To combat these disturbing trends, it is imperative that educational institutions become active participants in fostering understanding and reducing ignorance. By doing so, we can look forward to a significant shift in attitudes and a reduction in antisemitic incidents in the years to come.
StandWithUs UK remains committed to this cause and calls for collective action in promoting comprehensive education about Israel.
About StandWithUs UK:
StandWithUs is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organisation that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism. Founded in 2010, StandWithUs UK has become a recognised support system and leading resource for students on UK campuses. We empower and energise students and communities with leadership training and educational programmes on both school and university campuses. StandWithUs informs through social media, printed materials, digital platforms, film and newsletters. The StandWithUs flagship Emerson Fellowship programme seeks to raise students into future leaders, equipped to stand strong in the face of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. We believe in the right of the Jewish People to self-determination in their historic homeland of Israel. We educate the facts in an unbiased and holistic manner, with an open mind, reflecting on views from all sides of the political, social and humanitarian spectrum whilst promoting peace. StandWithUs UK believe the current discourse surrounding Israel on campus all too often crosses the line between legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and the dangerous, mainstream, antisemitic rhetoric which stands contrary to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. We work to educate on that distinction, encourage civil discourse on legitimate criticism of Israel, and to fight antisemitism wherever it emerges.
