In response to a notable rise in antisemitic incidents following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has strongly condemned the surge as “disgusting” and reaffirmed support for the Jewish community. The Prime Minister addressed the issue during a meeting in Gotland, Sweden, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Jewish institutions.
Sunak stated, “We have provided extra funding to the Community Security Trust to make sure that Jewish institutions – whether that’s synagogue or schools – have all the protection they need and the police have all the support that they need to ensure that our streets are safe for people from all communities.”
The Metropolitan Police reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents since the conflict began. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor revealed startling statistics, stating, “This year in that same period, we’ve seen 105 antisemitic incidents and 75 antisemitic offences. That is a massive increase in antisemitic crime and incidents.”
The offences ranged from intimidation outside synagogues to the loud playing of German military music. Meanwhile, three north London Jewish schools closed for the day, citing planned protests in support of Palestinians. Parents received notices urging them to keep their children indoors due to “the risk of violence on the streets.”
Despite the closures, the Community Security Trust emphasised the importance of keeping schools open, underlining the need for a united effort to combat antisemitism. The Prime Minister echoed this sentiment, stating, “We will absolutely not tolerate people inciting hatred, or violence, or racist activity. Intimidating or threatening behavior will not be tolerated. It will be met with the full force of the law.”
