In the aftermath of the recent Hamas terror attack on Israel, the UK has witnessed a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents, with the Community Security Trust (CST) recording at least 320 instances over the ten-day period from Saturday, October 7, to Monday, October 16. This represents a staggering 581% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
The rise in antisemitic incidents includes 15 assaults, 14 cases of damage and desecration to Jewish property, 46 direct threats, 244 instances of abusive behavior (including verbal abuse, graffiti, hate mail, and online abuse), and one mass-produced antisemitic literature. The incidents have not only been limited to physical altercations but also extend to online platforms, where 86 incidents were recorded, including ‘pile-ons’ involving multiple antisemitic posts.
Notably, these incidents are marked by offenders explicitly targeting Jewish people, communities, and institutions for their Jewish identity. The language and symbols used in these attacks often align with pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel sentiments, reflecting a disturbing conflation of political issues with hate crimes.
The geographical distribution of incidents is widespread, with 184 recorded in Greater London, 35 in Greater Manchester, 13 in West Yorkshire, eight in the West Midlands, eight in Nottinghamshire, and 72 spread across 21 different police regions around the UK.
Universities and schools have not been immune to this wave of hatred, with 36 antisemitic incidents related to universities and 17 targeting Jewish schools, schoolchildren, and teachers.
Examples of recorded incidents include an email praising Hamas sent to a Jewish newspaper editor, a sticker on a synagogue depicting the Prime Minister with the caption “I stand with genocide,” and offensive chants shouted in the heart of a Jewish community in London.
CST is calling on individuals to report antisemitic incidents promptly to both the police and CST to ensure thorough investigations and necessary legal action against those perpetuating hate. The organisation underscores the need for collective action to combat anti-Jewish hatred, urging everyone to stand against these disturbing incidents. To report antisemitic incidents, individuals can use the online form provided by CST or call the 24-hour National Emergency Number at 0800 032 3263 for urgent or out-of-hours reports.
