UK Prime Minister Sunak urges university leaders to ensure the safety of Jewish students | Global News

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken a stand against antisemitic abuse and harassment targeting Jewish students at some British universities. In a meeting with university leaders at Downing Street, Sunak emphasized the importance of protecting students from discrimination and intolerance.

Sunak called for a zero-tolerance approach to incidents of antisemitism and urged universities to be bastions of tolerance where respectful debate can take place. The prime minister, accompanied by his education, security, and communities ministers, also raised concerns about non-student agitators infiltrating campuses.

Last year, the Community Security Trust recorded 182 antisemitic incidents involving students or academics, highlighting the need for action to address this issue. Additionally, Tell Mama reported a rise in anti-Muslim incidents on campuses, indicating a broader trend of intolerance.

The protests at British universities stem from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with nearly 35,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza according to Gazan authorities. The war, which began with Hamas attacking Israel, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis and famine in the region.

The Union of Jewish Students has expressed concern about the hostile atmosphere created by student encampments protesting the war. Sunak’s call for universities to prioritize student safety and respect for all individuals is a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive and tolerant academic environment.