On the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre, Jewish students at England’s Bristol University faced terrifying hostility.
While hundreds gathered on College Green for a “pro-Palestinian” rally, students wearing Jewish symbols were followed, yelled at, and told October 7 was “justified resistance” and antisemitism no longer needs disguising.
Two others, wearing skullcaps, were harassed with “Free Palestine” shouts while walking home from synagogue.
A Bristol University student described the march as “beyond intimidating.”
The Union of Jewish Students reported that young Jews across the UK are too frightened to attend lectures.
At the same time, Israeli-owned businesses in Bristol are being shut down by anti-Zionist mobs determined to silence and isolate anyone connected to Israel. One arms company has already closed. This pressure is not about policy; it is about fear and intimidation.
The City Council of Bristol issued a statement of solidarity with the Jewish community on October 7. That statement matters — but it is not enough.
Words do not protect students. Statements do not stop harassment. The city must act before this escalates further.