A report published today confirms that the number of anti-Semitic incidents recorded by the Community Security Trust reached its highest level in history in the first six months of this year.
From January to June 2024, the CST recorded 1,978 incidents of anti-Jewish racism, compared to 964 incidents in the same period last year.
The charity, which monitors anti-Semitism and keeps the UK’s Jewish community safe, said the record number in the first half of 2024 was a continuation of the impact of anti-Semitic reactions to the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel and the subsequent ongoing war.
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The half-year figures show that abusive behaviour (1,618 incidents) tops the list of reported incidents. Threats (142 incidents), physical assault (121 incidents) and damage and desecration (83 incidents) also feature in the worrying new report.
Cases of damage and desecration of Jewish property increased by 246 percent, from 24 in the first half of 2023 to 83 between January and June 2024, the highest number ever recorded in this category in a half-year.
In the first six months of 2024, 76 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded targeting synagogues, buildings and individuals. Congregation members on their way to or from prayer were victims in another 38 incidents, compared to 30 and 16 incidents respectively in the first half of 2023.
The CST registered 81 anti-Semitic incidents involving students or staff at non-denominational schools. This brings the number of 162 cases of anti-Semitism affecting people and property in the school area to a new record in one half year.
Of the 1,037 anti-Semitic incidents recorded in Greater London, 411 occurred in Barnet, the local authority area that is home to the largest Jewish community in the United Kingdom.
In Westminster, 122 cases of anti-Semitic hatred were recorded, in Camden 94, in Hackney 60 and in Brent 30.
CST chief executive Mark Gardner said: “The shameful rise in British anti-Semitism is made even clearer by these latest figures. It can be found everywhere in society, including in schools, on campuses, in the workplace, on public transport and on the streets.
“We find that although this hatred is initially directed against Jews, it quickly spreads to other people as well.”
Gardner added: “CST welcomes our community’s ever-increasing determination to stand strong and proud, despite the hatred, vilification and blatant double standards we all too often face, including from many who paradoxically call themselves anti-racists. We thank the police for their support and note that the recent general election has rightly not diminished government support for CST and British Jews.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The levels of anti-Semitic hatred described in this report are truly appalling and we must never let up in our work to stamp out this hatred in all its forms. There is no place for this vile hatred in Britain and we are absolutely certain that those who spread this poison will always face the full force of the law.”
“I want to thank the CST for their tireless work every day to keep our Jewish communities safe. This government is committed to funding the CST over several years and working with the Jewish community and police to ensure everyone feels safe on our streets.”
Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “We must stamp out anti-Semitism wherever it occurs. It is up to all of us to stop and reverse the rise of this vile hatred that we have seen in the UK since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October.”
“It cannot be right that British Jews should worry about their safety on the streets of modern Britain, but this is the shocking and depressing reality.”
The half-year figures listed in the new report confirm a higher number than the total number of incidents for every year except 2021 and 2023, when Israel was also at war. Despite the alarming new statistics, CST recorded one incident of extreme violence in the first six months of 2024.
In addition, 13 cases of mass-produced anti-Semitic literature were registered in the first six months of 2024, while the CST registered 630 cases of online anti-Semitism in the same period, an increase of 153 percent compared to the first six months of 2023.
