Leeds University’s failure to prevent antisemitism over several years has culminated in its Jewish Chaplain being forced into hiding following death threats, according to UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI).

UKLFI has written to the Prof Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, urging him to take decisive action  to demonstrate that antisemitic activity on campus will no longer be tolerated.

Leeds PSG (a student group recognised by Leeds University Union) posted on Instagram urging students to “make it clear to the university we will not stand with a genocidal chaplain on our campus” and students have been handed fliers on campus stating “NO WAR CRIMINALS ON OUR CAMPUS / Zecharia, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.”

In addition, Leeds Hillel House has been sprayed with graffiti reading “IDF OFF CAMPUS” and “FREE PALESTINE”.

Jonathan Turner, chief executive of UKLFI claims that the failure to take action against past antisemitic activity, despite UKLFI’s warnings, has resulted in the current toxic atmosphere for Jews on campus.

• In November 2016 UKLFI drew the then Vice-Chancellor’s attention to a display by Professor Dickins of a poster on the outside of the door of his room at the University that promoted a boycott of Israeli universities and made false and inflammatory allegations about Israel. The University refused to take any action.

• In November 2020 UKLFI wrote again to the University when Leeds PSG hosted a meeting that glorified the terrorist Leila Khaled. Professor Dickins and Dr David Williams attended the meeting and  encouraged the audience to boycott Israeli universities. The chair of the meeting described the activities of PalestineAction as “inspiring”. UKLFI is not aware of any meaningful action by the University.

• In June 2021 an essay of sociology undergraduate, Danielle Greyman, on the crimes of Hamas against Palestinians was given a fail mark because it did not blame Israel. Although the mark appeared to have been influenced by anti-Israel bias, the University took every procedural opportunity to resist and delay Ms Greyman’s complaint, appeal and legal claim for compensation. The appeal eventually succeeded and compensation was ultimately paid, but no sanction was imposed or warning given to the university staff who marked the essay to discourage anti-Israel bias in future.

• In December 2023 UKLFI wrote again to the then Vice Chancellor regarding a demonstration with highly inflammatory speakers which UKLFI believed was arranged or attended by members of Leeds PSG and an antisemitic Instagram post by Leeds PSG. The University denied that the problematic speakers were officers of Leeds PSG, and said that Leeds UU was investigating a complaint about the Instagram post. We have not been told what findings, if any, were made in that investigation. It does not appear that they resulted in any sufficient sanction to prevent further incitement to racial hatred and violence.

Mr Turner wrote in his letter to the current Interim Vice Chancellor: “You have a serious responsibility now to get a grip on the situation. We appreciate, of course, the importance of academic freedom and the University’s legal obligation to secure freedom of speech within the law. However, these freedoms have limits; they do not extend to conduct that intimidates, harasses or discriminates against Jewish students or staff. Such conduct is not excused by the suggestion that it targets Zionists – most Jews are Zionists, and in any case Zionism is itself a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

We expect the University to take urgently all steps required to stop intimidation, harassment and discrimination against Jewish students or staff, including making it clear to all members of the University that this conduct will not be tolerated, and that serious penalties will be imposed if it recurs.”