94 per cent have experienced antisemitism on campus

Leaders from the Australian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) addressed the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD) plenum this week, offering insight into the climate on campus for Jewish students.

AUJS vice‑president Viola Bersten and AUJS NSW president Moshe Kadoury briefed the audience and took part in a Q&A with JBD CEO Michele Goldman, before answering questions about how AUJS has been forced to shift its focus since October 7, 2023.

Bersten cited recent data showing that 94 per cent of Jewish students have experienced antisemitism on campus, describing the environment as one in which many new students are reluctant to be “outwardly Jewish”.

She said that some students who become antizionist do so because “it’s just become quite trendy”, reflecting the social pressures young people face.

Kadoury said that AUJS’ traditional mission has been to bring Jewish students together socially and culturally.

“Unfortunately, over the past three years since October 7, we’ve had to be a lot more involved in advocacy and combating antisemitism as well as antizionism on campus,” he said.

But there have been some signs of improvement. Kadoury reported that AUJS’ relationship with university administrations has strengthened since the Bondi terror attack, with institutions showing greater willingness to engage and respond to concerns.

He also highlighted the resilience of Jewish student life. “We had a big Purim party with around 500 people attending — a big increase from previous years,” he said.

At the same time, some students remain hesitant to formally join AUJS due to safety fears. To support them, AUJS has established key‑card‑access safe rooms on every NSW campus, which Kadoury prefers to call “common areas”, providing secure spaces for students to gather.

Kadoury added that AUJS recently held a successful interfaith Shabbat dinner with the help of the University of Sydney and has taken part in interfaith panels.