Antisemitic incidents 'quadruple in UK' since Hamas attack in Israel – BBC.com

Antisemitic incidents in the UK have more than quadrupled since Hamas's attack on Israel, says a charity which helps Jewish people in the UK.
The Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 89 "anti-Jewish hate" incidents from 7 to 10 October.
That marked a more than four-fold rise on the 21 antisemitic incidents recorded in the same period last year.
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said he was "very concerned" at reports of an increase in antisemitism.
The Met Police has also written an open letter to London's Jewish community expressing support and solidarity.
The CST says six of the 89 incidents recorded were assaults, three referred to damage to Jewish property and 66 were related to abusive behaviour, 22 of which happened online.
In examples of incidents given by the group:
The CST said: "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.
"In many cases, the perpetrators of these disgraceful incidents are using the symbols and language of pro-Palestinian politics as rhetorical weapons with which to threaten and abuse Jewish people."
Hamas began its surprise assault on Israel on Saturday, killing more than 1,200 people and taking up to 150 hostages.
More than 1,300 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes.
Mr Tugendhat said he took the rise in antisemitism in the UK "extremely seriously" and urged a crackdown on the spread of hate.
He compared the ideology of Hamas to that of the Nazis in the 1930s and 40s.
"What the Nazis were doing is exactly what Hamas is doing today," he told Sky News. "It is preaching a blood libel, preaching a hatred for Jews and preaching a hatred that extends around the world."
Earlier this week, Home Secretary Suella Braverman wrote to police chiefs to step up patrols to prevent antisemitic disorder after the attacks on Israel.
Jewish schools in London and Manchester have also stepped up security as concerns grow about a possible rise in antisemitism directed at children.
Some pupils have been told blazers are optional in public places so they cannot be easily identified as Jewish.
The Met Police's deputy commissioner Dame Lynne Owens has written an open letter to London's Jewish community to reassure them that the force will "do all that we can to make sure you feel safe and protected here at home".
She said police would take action against any "abuse or intimidation that is religiously motivated" in the city.
Dame Lynn added that, while those showing support for Hamas or the Lebanese Hezbollah movement – both of which are proscribed terrorist organisations in the UK – could face prosecution, "what we cannot do is interpret support for the Palestinian cause more broadly as automatically being support for Hamas or any other proscribed group".
Hundreds gather for vigil after Hamas attacks
What is happening in Israel and Gaza, and why now?
Israel says no truce in south Gaza as thousands wait at border crossing
Man charged with hate crimes after Muslim boy killed
Daniel Noboa, 35, elected Ecuador's youngest president
One week in Gaza: 'There are no safe places here'
'I'm totally helpless' – husband of new mother missing after Hamas attacks
A spooked and lonely Taiwan looks for new friends
How Disney took over the world
The lesbian activist seeking marriage equality in India
Katya Adler: EU looks to welcome back Poland after years of antagonism
The 'magical' mountain beloved by Nazis and UFO enthusiasts. Video
Your pictures on the theme of 'texture'
Violin novice to TV orchestra triumph in four years
Europe's unlikely digital nomad hub
Scorsese on finding his new star
The sneaky trend hurting finances
© 2023 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

source

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top