The University of Central Florida (UCF) has the third largest Jewish student population in the United States. 6,300 undergraduate Jewish students attend UCF, representing 11% of the undergraduate student population, and 1,500 Jewish graduate students attend UCF, making up 16% of graduate students. UCF has a Hillel, Chabad and Jewish Greek life organizations.

What’s Happening on Campus?

There were a few antisemitic incidents at UCF that predate October 7. In February 2023, an individual shouted "Heil Hitler" inside of the student housing center, and in July 2023, a student reportedly experienced antisemitic harassment from a fellow student.

A UCF student was arrested in January 2024 for making antisemitic threats at a pro-Israel group’s event on campus, and there has been regular tabling at the Student Union with signs saying “From the River to the Sea.”

The Palestinian Student Association and Students for a Democratic Society have formed on campus.

University Policies and Responsive Action

UCF President Alexander Cartwright has issued strong statements against terrorism and antisemitism. The UCF Police Department has been responsive to a number of antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents, as well as increased its presence at Palestinian solidarity marches and Jewish events like the Israel Block Party.

*On April 11, 2024, the University of Central Florida was graded a "C"; in light of new information or events, the grade was changed to a "B" on April 12, 2024.