15 September 2025
This article was published on The Jewish News – READ HERE
StandWithUs UK has proudly launched the new Emerson Fellowship Class of 2025-26, a prestigious leadership programme that equips university students with the skills and confidence to stand up for Israel and the Jewish people.
The fellowship brings together a remarkable group of 22 students from universities across the United Kingdom, along with one Fellow from the Republic of Ireland. This diverse cohort reflects the growing network of young leaders who are stepping forward to challenge misinformation and antisemitism on campus, while also promoting education about Israel.
The programme began with a two night retreat, where the new Fellows met one another for the first time. Over the course of the retreat, students took part in intensive training sessions run by the StandWithUs UK team, which focused on advocacy, leadership, and campus engagement. In addition, they had the opportunity to learn from inspiring guest speakers, including Major (ret.) Andrew Fox, who shared his insights and experience in leadership and strategy.
Beyond the formal sessions, the retreat allowed Fellows to bond with one another in a warm and supportive environment. Evenings were filled with discussion, reflection, and shared experiences, setting the foundation for a year of teamwork and collaboration. For many, it was also the first step in forming lifelong friendships and professional networks that will strengthen their impact as advocates.
Reuben, an Emerson Fellow at Manchester University, said:
“The retreat was an incredible experience. It was such a blessing to be surrounded by so many inspiring and intelligent people. I am exceptionally excited for the year ahead.”
Sofia, a Fellow at King’s College London, said: “The Emerson Induction trip was an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded people who are passionate about standing up for what they believe in. I already know that the staff and my fellow Emersons will help me grow and succeed this year, and will be there to support me every step of the way and I am excited to work and connect with everyone more!”
The Emerson Fellowship has already earned its reputation as one of the most effective student leadership programmes in the country. Its graduates have gone on to take up significant roles in Jewish communal life, politics, education, and wider society. This new class continues that proud tradition, and the enthusiasm and commitment displayed at the retreat are signs of what is to come.
Yehuda Fink, Managing Director of StandWithUs UK, expressed his pride in the new Fellows. He said:
“We are deeply proud of this new cohort of Emerson Fellows. 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.”
The year ahead will provide the Fellows with a wide range of opportunities to put their training into practice. They will organise educational events, campaigns, and workshops at their universities, ensuring that their peers have access to accurate and engaging information about Israel and the Jewish people. They will also receive ongoing mentorship from StandWithUs UK staff, ensuring that each Fellow is supported as they face the challenges of campus life.
The Emerson Fellowship Class of 2025-26 represents a generation of students ready to lead with courage and conviction. As they return to their universities, they carry with them the lessons, friendships, and inspiration gained from the retreat, and the knowledge that they are part of a national and international network of advocates dedicated to truth and justice.
This launch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for StandWithUs UK and for the Fellows themselves. Their journey over the coming year will not only shape their own leadership but also make a lasting impact on campuses across the country.
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.
