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

Posted on 9 October 2023

Information about the University's response to the ongoing events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East, and about our support for those affected.

This news item is now archived. You can find the latest updates at Responding to the crisis in Gaza. 

This is a difficult time for many of us and it's clear that there won't be a quick resolution. Across our community there are strong and diverse views about the situation. 

Emails and updates

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.

How we're responding

Sanctuary and scholarships

Our existing Sanctuary Fund was set up to establish the principle of sanctuary as a major focus for philanthropic fundraising at the University, and we are investigating how we can use this to offer support. So far, we have earmarked initial funding to the value of £250,000 to support refugee students and at-risk academics from Gaza, with further funding likely to follow as the situation evolves. 
Currently, there are no straightforward exit routes from Gaza and no special UK entry visa routes for refugees from Gaza in prospect. In view of this, whilst we will look to support refugees already in the UK, we are also ready to explore other ways of enrolling students on scholarships, perhaps onto our online programmes, perhaps in cooperation with partners in places where the award of visas may be more straightforward.

As a University of Sanctuary and member of the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), we are exploring options to provide support to affected alumni and other at-risk academics. 

Support for universities in Gaza

Although there is no nationwide scheme in place to enable twinning of universities, as there is for UK and Ukrainian universities, we are nevertheless committed to developing links and engaging in longer term rebuilding of HE and research in the region where possible. Universities UK and an educational consultancy have begun to develop ideas for how UK universities could support student learning in Gaza. An initial stage may be to establish cooperation with universities on the West Bank which could in due course act as a bridge to Gaza and initial support is most likely to be in the form of the provision of online learning materials and/or access to library resources. 

Responding to global crises

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

Supporting those affected by global crises

Responsible investment

In April 2024, we announced that we no longer hold investments in companies that primarily make or sell weapons and defence-related products or services. This decision followed calls by members of our community to cut these investment ties and renew our commitment to the mission of public good. In response, we worked in partnership with our Student Unions to update our responsible investment statement.

Welfare support

Welfare support

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). 

We recognise that although not directly impacted, some students may still feel the impact of what is happening in the region, especially if you have family or loved ones there. 

If you need support for any reason please use our Student support and advice services, talk to your department or college, or use the YUSU and GSA support services.

YUSU's support for students impacted by conflict in Israel and Palestine

Travel and student visas

If you have any research or fieldwork planned in the region, you must keep up-to-date with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice on travelling and speak to your supervisor before embarking on any travel.

If you're abroad

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 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

Academic impacts

If you are in the region and you are unable to access online teaching or resources, please make contact with your department at the earliest opportunity so they can review how they might be able to support your learning.

There are a number of University processes in place to help you if the conflict has disrupted your studies or if you believe it will impact your ability to complete your exams or assessments. 

Information for staff