Antisemitism: PM promises extra support for Jewish communities in UK

Orthodox Jewish men pass police officers as they patrol around Stamford Hill, an area of London with a large Jewish community, on October 10, 2023 in London, England.Image source, Getty Images
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The Met Police said it would provide a visible presence in some Jewish communities in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised extra money to protect schools, synagogues and other Jewish community buildings.

It comes after a reported rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK, while fighting is ongoing between Palestinian militants and Israel.

The Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which helps British Jews, reported a four-fold rise in "anti-Jewish hate" incidents

Mr Sunak said: "We will absolutely not tolerate people inciting hatred or violence or racist activity. Intimidating or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated."

Some Jewish schools in the UK have decided to close for the day on Friday and others have given pupils advice on wearing their uniforms, although the CST advice is that that schools should remain open as normal.

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Extra money will be given to protect Jewish community buildings such as synagogues and schools

The government says funds will be given to the Community Security Trust (CST), which has recorded 139 antisemitic incidents in the last four days.

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."

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the safety of the UK's Jewish community was an "absolute priority".

What is antisemitism?

Antisemitism is language or behaviour that displays or suggests a dislike towards Jewish people.

It can result in an individual or group being treated unequally, unfairly or unkindly because of their Jewish faith.

It can be a form of hate crime, depending on how serious the incident is.

Three north London Jewish schools decided to close for the day on Friday and others have also stepped up security, with some pupils being told blazers are optional in public places so they cannot be easily identified as Jewish.

The charity said: "CST's advice to Jewish schools remains that Jewish life should continue and schools should remain open as normal."

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Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have expressed support for the UK's Jewish communities.

Earlier this week, Home Secretary Suella Braverman wrote to police chiefs telling them to increase patrols.

London's Met Police has written an open letter to London's Jewish community saying the force will "do all that we can to make sure you feel safe and protected here at home" and it would take action against any "abuse or intimidation that is religiously motivated."