University College London (UCL) has reopened its investigation into a student who allegedly stated that “October 7th was justified and reasonable” and that “Hamas is not a terrorist organisation.”
An e-mail seen by Campaign Against Antisemitism shows that a Senior Casework Officer at UCL initially told Evelyn, a Jewish student who reported the comments: “I am sorry to hear about the circumstances you have raised. I have reviewed your report and whilst I appreciate that you disagreed with the comment made by the individual, this does not amount to a disciplinary offence that would warrant an investigation under the Student Disciplinary procedure, nor would we consider this a breach of UCL’s Freedom of Speech policy. This is because it appears that the comment was not directed at you personally, but an expression of a view on a highly publicised matter. On this basis, no further action will be taken on this matter.”
When Evelyn sought clarification, asking: “Thank you for your clarification. I just want to confirm that you are referring to the student who expressed support for Hamas?”, the caseworker responded: “Yes, that’s correct.”
The investigation has now been reopened and the University has apologised to Evelyn. UCL President and Provost Michael Spence also said that casework staff will receive additional training, noting that “A mistake like this should never have happened.”
Other incidents included disruptive protests, offensive imagery, and antisemitic rhetoric at multiple events:
- On 3rd October, a Palestine protest blocked access to UCL’s entrance. Chants included “Zionists unwanted here,” “Resistance is justified,” and “United in the struggle to abolish Zionism off campus.”
- On 7th October, coordinated protests across several London universities included slogans such as “Long live the intifada” and “F*** you. F*** you Israhell.”
- On 9th October, protesters distributed paper currency printed with blood and the words: “Israel kills, UCL pays! How many kids have they killed today?”
- On 16th October, near the Jewish Studies department, chants included: “Two, four, six, eight, Israel is a racist state,” “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and “Zionism will fail. Palestine is not for sale.”
- On 24th October, masked protesters blocked an Israeli speaker event, chanting “Zionism off campus” and “Crush the Zionist settler state” while calling for an “intifada revolution.” A subsequent post on social media depicted the Israeli Prime Minister controlling UCL’s Provost with puppet strings, invoking an antisemitic stereotype.
The University has stated that it has taken measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of the community, including working with the Metropolitan Police and restricting campus access to individuals with valid UCL ID.
Dr Michael Spence, UCL President and Provost, said: “We continue to confront incidents of antisemitism and are committed to eradicating this from our campus… Where necessary and appropriate, we will not hesitate to take disciplinary action and report incidents to the police.”
Campaign Against Antisemitism has been supporting Evelyn throughout this process and will continue to do so.
Guest speaker banned after apparently relaying antisemitic blood libel at UCL
Unfortunately, it does not stop there for UCL. A guest speaker at a recent event organised by Students for Justice in Palestine, a UCL student society, has been banned from campus pending an investigation after reportedly relaying the Damascus Affair to an audience, as seen in a video published by StandWithUs UK. The Damascus Affair falsely accused Jews of murdering an Italian monk and his servant to make matzah, a ceremonial food eaten during Passover.
According to reports, the speaker failed to clarify that the claim had been debunked, instead stating “Do investigate. Draw your own narrative.”
By not explicitly refuting this dangerous lie, the audience could be left with the impression that it might be true, thereby perpetuating one of the most enduring antisemitic myths.
The International Definition of Antisemitism, which UCL has adopted, states that: “Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism, e.g. blood libel, to characterise Israel or Israelis” is an example of antisemitism.
The Students for Justice in Palestine society has also been banned from hosting further events while the investigation is ongoing.
However, the fact that this occurred at all remains deeply concerning, particularly as the speaker was a former fixed-term researcher at the University. Our polling shows that nine in ten British Jews consider antisemitism to be a factor in choosing a university.
Honouring Jewish veterans at the AJEX Remembrance Parade
We had the privilege of attending the 2025 AJEX Remembrance Parade and Ceremony in Whitehall.
We pay forward our gratitude to all the Jewish men and women who fought so bravely for this country, ensuring that we may live freely.
To them, we say thank you.
Troxy theatre accused of refusing bookings from Jewish organisers
The Troxy theatre in London has reportedly been accused of declining events based on organisers’ Jewish identity.
It is understood that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has begun an initial assessment to determine whether a full investigation into the claims should be launched.
One allegation claims that a member of staff told an event organiser that the venue “do not accept Jewish bookings.” The Troxy theatre has denied this.
These are extremely serious allegations. If they are substantiated, the venue must face the full force of the law. Antisemitism has no place in the arts, and venues must ensure they do not become part of the problem.
Neo-Nazi propagandist reportedly gave tours at Buckingham Palace
A man who used the pseudonym “John” within white supremacist circles has reportedly been identified as Matthew Gravill, a 26-year-old who worked as a warden and gave history tours at Buckingham Palace.
ITV reports that Mr Gravill was a chief creator of social media content for Active Club England, a far-right white supremacist group, and a key figure in the fascist organisation Vanguard Britannica. He travelled to the United States, reportedly meeting with white supremacist groups to bring their ideology back to the United Kingdom.
In a secret recording, he is heard stating:
“I do the technical side of things, you know, and the photography…I do all the photos, the artwork, the designs, the logos, the Active Club symbol.”
At another point, he referred to Adolf Hitler as “Uncle Addy”.
Far-right extremism must have no place in Britain. It is deeply concerning and a serious failing that someone involved in such organisations was employed at one of the country’s foremost national institutions.
Work with us!
We are looking for an entry-level full-time Education and Outreach Officer, to run our campus and schools programmes and more.
Help make a difference in the fight against antisemitism!
For more information, please visit antisemitism.org/jobs/education-and-outreach-officer.
