More than 300% increase in antisemitic incidents in UK since Hamas attack on Israel

Antisemitic incidents in the UK have increased by more than 300% since Hamas launched an attack on Israel, according to a Jewish security group.

The Community Security Trust (CST) – which represents British Jews on issues of racism and policing – said it had recorded 89 incidents that it classed as “anti-Jewish hate” from 7-10 October.

This was an increase of 324% compared to the 21 antisemitic incidents recorded over the same period last year, the group said.

The incidents included six assaults, three instances of damage to Jewish property, 66 related to abusive behaviour and 22 took place online.

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It comes as the combined number of those who have lost their lives reported by Israel and Palestine after weekend attacks by Hamas and retaliatory strikes by Israeli forces reached more than 2,000 people.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat, who has Jewish ancestry, said he was “very concerned” at the reports.

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He said the UK government takes the rise in reports of antisemitism “extremely seriously” and voiced support for the CST and the police in cracking down on the spreading of hate.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman also wrote to police chiefs this week, saying that waving a Palestinian flag and chanting pro-Arab songs could amount to a public order offence if it could be deemed to be in support of terror atrocities.

In London, there were a “small number” of incidents in relation to the ongoing conflict on Sunday night, with reports of people appearing to celebrate the attack on Israel by Hamas. No arrests were made.

While in Manchester, Greater Manchester Police said hundreds of people gathered in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday evening to take part in a vigil for those who have been killed.

The force said four people were arrested on suspicion of breaching the peace. One person has now been “de-arrested following further investigation”.

The CST said on Thursday, that examples of an assault included a Jewish person walking to a synagogue in London on Sunday morning being told “no wonder you’re all getting raped” by a stranger.

While in northeast London, a car slowed down outside a synagogue and shouted “kill Jews” and “death to Israel” while waving a Palestinian flag, the CST said.

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“Make no mistake: these are anti-Jewish racist incidents and hate crimes in which Jewish people, property and institutions are singled out for hate, including death threats and abuse,” the CST said.

The Metropolitan Police has also appealed for footage or images of last weekend’s attack in Israel after a number of British citizens were confirmed dead in the country.

The force’s counter-terrorism unit is “appealing for anyone in the UK who has direct evidence related to the terrorist attacks”.

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