Andy Drozdziak
The Catholic Bishops’ conference of England and Wales has blasted the recent rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, saying that it ‘has absolutely no place in our society.’
The Community Security Trust (CST), a UK Jewish charity, said it had recorded about 800 incidents of antisemitism since the start of the war on 7th October. London, in particular, has seen a huge increase in antisemitic incidents following the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with 408 recorded antisemitic offences in London taking place between 1st and 27th October, compared to 28 in the same period last year, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Fr Jan Nowotnik, Secretary of the Committee for Catholic-Jewish Relations, told the Universe: “As followers of Christ, we are a people of peace and the figures recorded by the Metropolitan Police for these crimes in London are alarming.
“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.”
Fr Nowotnik is also Secretary for the Office for Relations with Other Religions, and shared his concerns about the ‘disturbing rise’ in crimes against Muslims. The Metropolitan Police said that Islamophobia offences between 1st-18th October had increased from 42 in 2022 to 101 this year – an increase of 140%. The Israel-Hamas conflict began on 7th October.
Fr Nowotnik said: “There is also a disturbing rise in instances of Islamophobic hate crime. It is important to remember that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and recognise that violence begets violence.”
He urged ‘all believers to pray for peace in our troubled world.’ Fr Nowotnik’s comments come after Cardinal Nichols, who is also the archbishop of Westminster, recently called for ‘restraint’ following violent responses to the war in London and the rest of the UK.
“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,” he said.
Picture: PA Wire/PA Images Picture by: Kirsty O’Connor