Updated 01.11.23

It is deeply concerning for us all to see reports of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the developing humanitarian crisis. We know that this is a very distressing and challenging time for members of our staff and student community. It is particularly difficult for those from the region and for those with family, friends or other close ties there.

We have previously been in direct contact with members of our student and staff community that may be affected to offer support. We also encourage all students and staff to seek support and make use of the resources available at the University if they wish to. Details of these are listed below.

As a large and diverse staff and student community, it is important that we continue to support and respect each other at this time. We must all be aware that individuals have differing perspectives and views, particularly those with lived experience of the situation in Israel and Palestine and its complex history.

As a university, we have a clear commitment to upholding academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law. We welcome respectful debate and discussion on complicated issues, but our community should be aware that inviting support for Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK, is a criminal offence. 

Sheffield Hallam is a safe, tolerant and welcoming community. We stand firmly against antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment.

Support, guidance and travel advice

• Details of our student advice, wellbeing support and other resources are available online, including information about support from our Chaplaincy service.  
• Support for students is also available from Hallam Union’s Advice Centre, and the Union has published a recent statement on the conflict. 
• If you need to report a serious incident, please use our dedicated Report and Support service.
• Information about support available for Sheffield Hallam staff can be found on the staff intranet, which also includes the Employee Assistance Programme (these links will work for Sheffield Hallam staff).
• The UK Government currently advises against all travel to parts of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. All university travel to Israel and Palestine has currently been stopped.
• The Disasters Emergency Committee is monitoring the humanitarian situation, and its charities have launched appeals to provide support for civilians affected by the conflict.