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StandWithUs UK launches new Emerson Fellowship cohort to combat antisemitism on campus

Date: September 25, 2025
Category: News
Regions: United Kingdom

StandWithUs UK launches new Emerson Fellowship cohort to combat antisemitism on campus

Twenty-three student leaders from across the UK and Ireland begin intensive training programme

(Annabel Sinclair — Jewish News)

StandWithUs UK has unveiled the Class of 2025-26 Emerson Fellows, bringing together 22 university students from across Britain and one from Ireland for a year-long programme aimed at countering antisemitism and misinformation about Israel on campus.

The leadership scheme, which has built a reputation as one of the most effective of its kind, began with a two-night retreat where the Fellows underwent intensive training in advocacy, leadership, and campus engagement. Workshops were led by StandWithUs UK staff and guest speakers, including Major (ret.) Andrew Fox, who drew on his military background to share lessons in resilience and strategy.

Beyond the formal sessions, students used the retreat to form connections and build a support network that organisers say will sustain them through the year ahead. “The retreat was an incredible experience,” said Reuben, a Fellow at Manchester University. “It was such a blessing to be surrounded by so many inspiring and intelligent people. I am exceptionally excited for the year ahead.”

Yehuda Fink, managing director of StandWithUs UK, hailed the new intake as a beacon of resilience. “We are deeply proud of this new cohort of Emerson Fellows,” he said. “They represent the very best of our student leaders across the United Kingdom and Ireland today. We have full confidence in their ability to support Israel on campus and to stand strong in the face of the awful wave of antisemitism we are witnessing. These young leaders give us real hope for the future.”

Graduates of the fellowship have gone on to hold leadership roles in politics, education, and Jewish communal organisations. This year’s cohort will be tasked with organising educational events, workshops, and campaigns across their campuses, while receiving continued mentorship from StandWithUs UK staff.

Organisers said the 2025-26 class reflected the growing determination of Jewish students to step forward in the face of hostility. “The friendships and skills formed here will empower these Fellows to become part of a national and international network of advocates dedicated to truth and justice,” said StandWithUs UK in a statement.

The launch marks the beginning of a year that the organisation predicts will be both challenging and transformative. For the students, it is also the start of what many hope will be lifelong leadership journeys.

Read the full article here.

StandWithUs (SWU) is a 24-year-old international non-partisan education organization that inspires people of all ages about Israel, challenges misinformation and fights against antisemitism.

StandWithUs empowers people around the world to educate others through social media, print and digital materials in different languages, through educational programs and conferences, weekly newsletters, data and analytics, and missions to Israel.

It takes legal action through StandWithUs Saidoff Law. It empowers hundreds of student leaders annually through its college Fellowship and high school Internship. SWU provides schools and educators with vital tools through its IsraelLINK middle school program, Holocaust Education Center, and K-12 Fairness Center.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, StandWithUs has chapters throughout the U.S., Israel, Canada, the UK, Brazil, Argentina, the Netherlands, Australia and South Africa. 

For the last fourteen years, StandWithUs has consistently received the highest possible ratings from Charity Navigator and GuideStar, two charity watchdog groups that assess over a million charities in the United States. This puts StandWithUs in the top 3% of charities ranked for their transparency and accountability.

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