UCL Faces Backlash Over Ending Dedicated Antisemitism Role

University College London has ended the job of Anthony Orkin, who had served since 2022 as the university’s first ever antisemitism program manager at a British university. The role had provided support for Jewish students facing antisemitism, helped them file complaints, and delivered campus training.

Jewish students say the change leaves them exposed at a campus that has seen numerous antisemitic incidents over the past year. Deb Forman, a UCL student and prominent influencer, said he had no doubt Jewish students would be hurt and described Orkin as the only specialist they could trust. Another student, speaking anonymously, said the campus felt hostile and that antisemitism had become part of daily life, with the move deepening the sense that there is nowhere to turn.

The university has transferred responsibility to its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion department, headed by Adeel Khan. Khan was previously linked to controversy over his work with the charity Save One Life UK, which was investigated by the Charity Commission last year after allegations that it had cooperated with a Hamas-run government ministry in Gaza to distribute funds. The charity denied the claims, calling them “malicious and false.”

Jewish groups reacted sharply to the decision, and the Jewish Leadership Council said it sends “a very worrying message to the Jewish community.” UCL said it is strengthening its commitment to addressing antisemitism by embedding the issue across the institution, and said it plans to create a senior expert group, expand support for students and staff, and establish a new religious and belief affairs role. Despite that response, students say the controversy is far from over.