Good picturesReports of anti-Semitic incidents in the UK hit another record high in the first half of the year, according to figures from the Jewish Defense Fund.
From January to June 2024, the Social Security Trust (CST) recorded 1,978 reports of anti-Semitic hate incidents, up from 964 in the first half of 2023.
CST says the high number recorded in the first half of 2024 is a continuation of the impact of anti-Semitic reactions to the October 7 attack in Israel and the ongoing war.
This report relies on self-reported incident statistics.
1,037 recorded antisemitic incidents took place in Greater London, including 411 in Barnet – the local authority home to the largest Jewish community in the UK.
A technical problem in March disrupted the flow of reports from the Metropolitan Police, meaning the actual figure for Greater London could be much higher, CST said.
The region with the second highest number of antisemitic incidents was Greater Manchester with 268, followed by West Yorkshire with 115.
All over England, CST recorded 121 assault incidents in the first six months of the year, a 41% increase over the same period last year.
Cases of damage and desecration of Jewish property increased by 246% from 24 in the first half of 2023 to 83 between January 2024 and June 2024.
In the six months from January to June, there were 142 incidents of intimidation. This is a 158% increase from 55 in the same period a year ago.
There are 162 cases against sectarianism affecting people and property in education. This is a 119% increase from the 74 incidents reported from January to June 2023.
CSTA striking figure is the rise in anti-Semitism involving higher education, which shows a 465% rise.
In the first six months of the year, there were 96 anti-Semitic incidents involving either victims or perpetrators who were students or academics or student unions or societies.
CST says this is a record half-yearly spike, with 17 university-related incidents of anti-Semitism in the first six months of 2023.
Mark Gardner, chief executive of CST, says the figures are unprecedented.
“CST will continue to provide steadfast protection of our British Jewish communities, driven by our values of community, safety and faith,” he added.
“CST applauds our community’s growing determination to stand strong and proud despite the hate.”
Neil Hall/EPAHome Secretary Yvette Cooper described the figures as “truly appalling”.
He added: “This vile hatred has no place in Britain and we are absolutely clear that this venom must be met with the full force of the law – whether on the streets or online.”
James, the Conservative shadow home secretary, wisely said: “We must root out anti-Semitism wherever it occurs.
“It is the responsibility of all of us to stop and reverse this horrendous rise in hatred that we have seen in the UK since the Hamas terror attack on 7 October.
“It can never be right, and British Jews can worry about their safety on the streets of modern Britain.”
In November, then Chancellor Jeremy Hunt He promised £7 million For charities fighting bigotry in the UK over the next three years.
