LEEDS, UK — A long-standing Muslim chaplain at the University of Leeds has officially stepped down from her position, citing a profound misalignment of values following the university’s handling of a campus rabbi’s return from military service in Gaza.
Farhat Yaqoob, who has served as a chaplain at the institution since 2014, announced her resignation as tensions continue to simmer across the campus. Her departure comes in the wake of widespread student protests sparked by the return of Rabbi Zecharia Deutsch, who resumed his duties as a campus Jewish chaplain after serving with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a public statement shared via the Leeds University Union Islamic Society’s Instagram page, Yaqoob explained that her decision was rooted in her faith and a commitment to social justice that she felt was no longer mirrored by the university’s leadership in the current political climate.
"It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing this message to you all. But I need to share the news that I will be standing down in my role as the Muslim Chaplain," Yaqoob wrote in her statement. "My faith makes me a better human being and a better chaplain, and I should never apologise for that. I have witnessed that social justice is an integral part of everyone’s duty of care… Based on the current climate, especially since the international events around early October 2023, I have struggled to find those fundamental values lived out here on campus in the way that I feel works in harmony with me. It is becoming extremely challenging for me to stay on as chaplain."
The announcement was met with deep sorrow from the student body and the Islamic Society, which praised Yaqoob for her nearly decade-long tenure supporting the university community.
In their own statement, the Islamic Society expressed deep gratitude for her service, noting: "She has worked tirelessly in her time to bring unity to campus, through mentoring students and being a light to us all in some of our darkest times. She has been and will always be someone who strengthens and supports our community and has been a person of safety in some of the most unsafe times, for that we will forever be grateful."
The controversy that precipitated Yaqoob’s resignation centers on Rabbi Zecharia Deutsch, a rabbinical emissary who has served as a Jewish chaplain across multiple British universities under the auspices of the Universities Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC) since 2021. Following the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East following the events of October 7, Deutsch traveled to Israel to serve in the IDF reserves.
When Deutsch returned to the University of Leeds campus in January to resume his chaplaincy duties, his presence ignited immediate outrage and profound concern among pro-Palestine student groups. Activists and student organizations argued that an individual actively participating in military operations that have drawn international war crimes accusations should not hold a pastoral role within a diverse educational institution.
During his deployment, digital platforms circulated various images and video clips of Deutsch wearing an Israeli military uniform. In one widely shared video published by Middle East Eye, Deutsch addressed viewers directly, stating: "There is so much confusion going on and it’s so clear that there is evil and there is good. And what Israel is trying to do is destroy the evil, which is the most moral thing possible."
As protests intensified on the Leeds campus, reports emerged that Deutsch and his wife, Nava, had been forced into hiding following threats directed at them amid the escalating local friction. The fierce polarization surrounding his return has since transformed into a major institutional crisis for the university administration.
The conflict in Gaza, which serves as the backdrop to the campus unrest, has resulted in a staggering loss of life. According to health authorities, military operations by the IDF have killed approximately 30,534 Palestinians in Gaza, a toll that includes 13,430 children and at least 8,900 women, alongside some 71,920 reported injuries. The scale of the destruction has prompted accusations of genocide, most notably in a high-profile legal case brought against Israel by South Africa at the International Court of Justice.
In response to the administration’s perceived inaction regarding Deutsch’s return, pro-Palestine student activists escalated their demonstrations. Dozens of students staged a coordinated sit-in protest, occupying a section of the historic Parkinson Building at the University of Leeds. The occupation marked a significant escalation following weeks of rallies, marches, and campus meetings.
Students participating in the demonstrations told reporters that the atmosphere on campus had deteriorated significantly, leaving many Muslim students feeling isolated, vulnerable, and unsafe. They also expressed frustration over how their activism and concerns were being framed in broader public discourse.
Parallel to the physical protests, digital mobilization campaigns gained substantial momentum. An online petition hosted on Change.org, which demands the formal dismissal of Rabbi Deutsch from the University of Leeds, quickly surpassed 12,000 signatures.
National advocacy groups have also weighed heavily into the dispute. The Muslim Association of Britain publicly challenged the university leadership on social media platform X, writing: "Why have you allowed Zechariah Deutsch to return to the university as a chaplain after serving in the IDF? You have a duty of care towards your students to ensure their safety at all times. How can your students feel safe with a war criminal complicit in genocide roaming your campus?"
In response to inquiries regarding the escalating protests, the resignation of the Muslim chaplain, and demands for the rabbi’s dismissal, a spokesperson for the University of Leeds issued a comprehensive statement addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the institution.
"As a diverse community of more than 39,000 students from 137 countries, we work hard to uphold freedom of speech for all and to ensure that the different experiences and perspectives of all in our community can be heard," the university spokesperson stated. "The University has a legal duty to support free speech and peaceful expressions of views within the law, and has facilitated numerous authorised vigils and protests. We absolutely condemn all antisemitism, Islamophobia, harassment and abuse and would always take action against it."
The spokesperson further acknowledged the acute distress experienced by Muslim members of the university community, adding: "Our recent statement in response to antisemitic incidents in no way diminishes the experience of our Muslim staff and students. Islamophobia and antisemitism are equally abhorrent and have no place at the University of Leeds. We know that many of our Muslim staff and students are finding this to be an incredibly difficult time with many experiencing significant anguish and upset. We are meeting regularly to continue to listen, discuss and identify how we can continue to provide further support and address their ongoing concerns."
Addressing the departure of Farhat Yaqoob, the university expressed regret and appreciation for her long service: "We are saddened that Sister Farhat will be standing down from her role with us, and wish to thank her sincerely for her significant support for our Muslim students and staff as well as our wider community at Leeds over the past nine years of her service. The University will continue to ensure they receive the invaluable spiritual and pastoral support provided by the Muslim chaplaincy."
Regarding the ongoing presence of Rabbi Deutsch, the university clarified his employment status and administrative positioning. "Rabbi Deutsch is employed by the UJC to support Jewish students in Leeds and at other universities in the Yorkshire region," the spokesperson concluded. "The University remains in close contact with the UJC to discuss how it supports his work, and ensure we are sensitive to the diverse perspectives of our community."