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UCL cuts dedicated antisemitism role despite surge in anti-Jewish incidents, source tells 'Post'

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • University College London has eliminated its dedicated Antisemitism Programme Manager role, held by Anthony Orkin since November 2022.
  • A UCL source stated the role was crucial in responding to an 841% increase in reported antisemitism following October 7, 2023.
  • Jewish students and staff express concern that the absence of this expert support will leave them vulnerable, with complaints now handled by the EDI team.

University College London has eliminated its dedicated Antisemitism Programme Manager position, a move that has drawn criticism from students and a source close to the role. The position, held by Anthony Orkin since its inception in November 2022, was the first and only dedicated antisemitism role at a UK university.

The importance of this role at this moment cannot be overstated. Jewish students and staff at UCL need dedicated expert support at the most difficult time for the community in recent memory.

— UCL sourceDescribing the significance of the eliminated Antisemitism Programme Manager role.

A UCL source told The Jerusalem Post that the role was vital in addressing an 841% surge in antisemitism reported through the university's system in the year after October 7, 2023. Orkin provided confidential support to Jewish students and staff, delivered training to over 2,430 individuals, and arranged antisemitism training for UCL's senior security staff. His sessions consistently received high feedback scores.

"The importance of this role at this moment cannot be overstated," the source stated. "Jewish students and staff at UCL need dedicated expert support at the most difficult time for the community in recent memory."

Anthony is one of the few things they were genuinely getting right. I have no doubt that Jewish students will be worse off at UCL and will feel his departure immediately.

— Dov FormanA UCL student commenting on the departure of the Antisemitism Programme Manager.

Dov Forman, a UCL student and author, echoed these concerns, calling Orkin "one of the few things they were genuinely getting right." Forman added that many students relied on Orkin for support regarding antisemitism, fearing skepticism and bureaucracy from other university staff. He criticized UCL for "talk[ing] a good game on antisemitism, but when it comes to action, it has too often been lackluster."

So many of my friends didn't speak to anyone except Anthony about the antisemitism they faced, because they knew that anywhere else and with anyone else at the university, they'd be met with skepticism, bureaucracy, and resistance. He was the trusted expert they had confidence in and could turn to.

— Dov FormanExplaining the reliance of students on the Antisemitism Programme Manager for support.

Antisemitism complaints will now be managed by UCL's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team, overseen by Addeel Khan. Khan's role in Save One Life, a charity previously investigated by the UK's Charity Commission over allegations of diverted funds, has also raised questions.

UCL talks a good game on antisemitism, but when it comes to action, it has too often been lackluster.

— Dov FormanCriticizing UCL's response to antisemitism despite its stated commitments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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