Andy Drozdziak
More than 4,000 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the UK by a Jewish charity in 2023, with the all-time high being put down to the “sheer volume” which took place following the Hamas attacks of 7th October.
The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism and provides security for the Jewish community in Britain, said there were a total of 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the UK in 2023, up from the previous annual record of 2,261 incidents in 2021. Its chief executive described the “explosion in hatred” against the Jewish community as “an absolute disgrace”.
Incidents recorded by the CST included “Free Palestine” graffiti being sprayed on a bridge in Golders Green, which is home to one of London’s largest Jewish communities; the defacing with swastikas of a poster in London of a baby kidnapped by Hamas; and a visibly Jewish man being verbally abused and threatened by people who were attending a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
Catholic leaders have repeatedly called for people to ‘stand against antisemitism’ since the start of the Israeli/Gaza war last October. Cardinal Nichols, who is also the archbishop of Westminster, said: “At home, I appeal for restraint and the total avoidance of hateful language and action, as the impact of this conflict is felt in communities here.”
Bishop Declan Lang, Chair of the Bishops’ International Affairs department, said: “We commit ourselves to stand against antisemitism, injustice and prejudice wherever it might be found.”
Home Secretary James Cleverly MP described the rise in antisemitism in recent months as “utterly deplorable” and said he “will do everything in my power” to ensure the Jewish community is safe and feels safe.
Labour’s Yvette Cooper, shadow home secretary, said the rise was “appalling and intolerable” and a “stain on our society”.
The release of the figures coincide with the Labour party facing criticism around its handling of antisemitism allegations after a second parliamentary candidate was suspended over remarks about Israel.
The party has insisted there are “strong checks” on would-be MPs, after parliamentary candidate Graham Jones was suspended on Tuesday, only a day after Labour was forced to suspend and withdraw its backing for Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali.
Fr Jan Nowotnik, Secretary of the Committee for Catholic-Jewish Relations in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, told the Universe: “Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society. I strongly speak out against hostility and prejudice towards Jews and stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in England and Wales. I also condemn any hate crime perpetrated on the grounds of faith.”