Jewish students 'hiding their faith' on university applications amid fears of antisemitism

Jewish students applying for university are "hiding their Jewish faith" amid fears of antisemitism, a new survey has found.

Parents Against Antisemitism (PAA) polled parents whose children are currently submitting Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) forms.

The survey found that out of 160 parents, 96 per cent were concerned for antisemitism and hostility when helping their child decide where to apply.

Some 79 per cent named antisemitism among their three most important factors in their choice of where their child should study.

The poll, shared with The Telegraph, also found that 42 per cent of parents would "rule out" a strong university if it posed a significant antisemitism problem.

The campaign group, Parents Against Antisemitism told the Telegraph that their findings are "absolutely appalling".

A spokesman said: "It is absolutely appalling that children feel forced to conceal their Jewish identity on application forms and in interviews for fear of being refused a place by antisemitic university staff.

"Ministers and university leaders urgently need to get to grips with the anti-Jewish hatred that is rampant on campuses.

"Choosing a university should be an exciting time for students and their parents.

"So it is incredibly sad and shocking that Jewish families have to worry about disguising their identity or whether the university they are considering is going to be a safe place to be a Jew."

In the survey, one parent recalled feeling as though they needed to "exclude any mention of anything regarding Judaism or Israel" in their application".

They said: "My daughter didn’t want to put down that Hebrew is one of the languages that she speaks for fear of it affecting her application.

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"Likewise, she didn’t want to put down that she had done a Jewish leadership programme."

Another parent admitted they are "terrified" of universities or anyone "finding out" that their child is Jewish.

The parent said: "We are hiding our identity and are terrified of anyone finding out. We are really worried about the lack of support and extremist ideology on campus.

"The thought of leaving [the UK] to keep them safe is always on our mind.”

Earlier this year, the Government committed to implementing all 27 recommendations from Sir David Bell's review into antisemitism in schools and colleges, backed by £7million to tackle antisemitism across educational institutions.

The Prime Minister has described a rise in antisemitic "behaviour" in the UK over the last three years as "disturbing".

He insisted his Government was "committed to protecting our citizens from vile hatred".

Mr Burnham said: "I want Britain’s Jewish community to hear this from me directly: We stand with you. Abuse and violence against you, in any form, will not be tolerated. Not on our streets, not online, not in our schools or universities."