Sunak Slams Surge in Antisemitic Attacks Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has condemned a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK as “disgusting.” The spike follows the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas and has sparked serious safety concerns for the Jewish community. Speaking from Gotland, Sweden, Sunak promised urgent government action to protect Jewish institutions across the country.
Government Boosts Security Funding for Jewish Sites
Sunak revealed extra cash has been funnelled to the Community Security Trust (CST) to ramp up protection at synagogues, Jewish schools, and other communities’ centres. He said, “We have provided extra funding to the Community Security Trust to make sure that Jewish institutions – whether that’s synagogues or schools – have all the protection they need. The police also have all the support required to keep our streets safe for people from all communities.”
Alarming Rise in Antisemitic Crime Revealed
The Metropolitan Police confirmed a worrying spike in antisemitic offences. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor shared stark figures: “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.”
Incidents ranged from intimidation outside synagogues to the disturbing playing of German military music. In response to safety fears, three Jewish schools in North London shut for a day, citing protests planned in support of Palestinians. Parents were warned to keep their children indoors amid warnings of potential street violence.
Sunak Pledges Tough Stance on Hate Crime
Despite the school closures, the CST stressed the importance of keeping schools open and joined calls for a united stand against antisemitism. Sunak echoed the call for zero tolerance, declaring, “We will absolutely not tolerate people inciting hatred, or violence, or racist activity. Intimidating or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated. It will be met with the full force of the law.”
