Accessibility statement

University of York response to recent events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East

Posted on 9 October 2023

This page provides information about the University's support for those impacted by the recent events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East.

Updated: Thursday 1 February 2024

News of the recent conflict is very upsetting, particularly for our colleagues and students with connections to the area. We are reaching out to staff and our International Student Support team is contacting impacted students directly to offer welfare and other types of support. We are working to ensure all members of the University community are supported as much as possible, and we will respond as appropriate as the situation develops.

We ask all members of the University to remember that we are a community of respect, and we expect everyone to treat each other with fairness and compassion.

We know that this is a difficult time for many of you, and that there's unlikely to be a quick resolution. We know too that many people will have strong views about the situation. As always, we ask all members of the University to remember that we are a community of respect, and we expect everyone to treat each other with fairness and compassion. We will never tolerate racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, abuse, incitement or harassment: any incidents of this should be reported.

We have created further information to support our community in response to the ongoing situation in Israel/Gaza. Please refer to this document for advice or understanding on how we are bringing our experts to the fore in discussions on the issues, freedom of speech/expression, organising events and managing discussions in the classroom/workplace.

Support for staff

Please contact HR for any support - including practical support: our employee assistance partner Health Assured is now also offering specialist support to assist individuals and managers in response to the disturbing world events.

Please also alert your Line Manager, if you feel comfortable doing so, so that they can offer you support and make reasonable adjustments if needed.

Travel advice

If you are due to travel to any of the affected regions, please speak to your Deans or Head of Department for Professional Services staff, regarding arrangements. We are following Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice, which is advising against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and against all travel in key areas of the large-scale conflict.

If you're abroad or travelling elsewhere

We know that in some countries protests, demonstrations and other activity related to events in Israel and Gaza are leading to heightened security measures and that some embassies have issued security or demonstration alerts. It is important to be aware of what is happening wherever you are: check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the country that you're visiting and sign up for email alerts.

If you're currently working abroad, stay in contact with your department and follow any advice that's sent to you, either from your department in York or from your local institution. In an emergency, contact the local emergency services or our Campus Safety team: you can use the SafeZone app for this.

While you're away you should:

  • Download the SafeZone Mobile App if you have not already done so
  • Avoid protests, demonstrations, or areas with significant police activity
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Keep your phone charged
  • Keep in touch with friends, family and your department

Support for students

Our International Student Support Team has reached out to all of our Israeli and Palestinian students to offer individual support and also to sign post our Student Unions (YUSU and GSA). 

How we respond to global crises

Sadly, this is one of several instances of conflict, or humanitarian disasters, affecting members of our community. Find out how we support our staff and students, as well as how members of our community can help.

Supporting those affected by global crises