Anti-Semitism in the UK hits all time high, CST reports
A total of 302 incidents were reported to the Community Security Trust, the highest monthly total since records began in 1984.
The figure, which has been readjusted having previously been announced at 240, represents a rise of more than 400 percent from the 59 reported in July 2013. It is only slightly fewer than the 304 recorded in the entire first six months of this year.
The majority of the incidents – 179 – took place in Greater London, with 52 recorded in Greater Manchester. There were 21 violent anti-Semitic assaults, 17 incidents of damage and desecration of Jewish property, 218 incidents of abusive behaviour, 33 direct anti-Semitic threats and 13 cases of mass-mailed anti-Semitic leaflets or emails.
More than half of the incidents involved direct reference to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, while a description of 107 of the 302 offenders was also obtained, with 51 percent described as being of south Asian appearance, 30 percent as white, 14 percent as being of Arab or north African appearance and five percent described as black.
CST spokesman Mark Gardner said: “These statistics speak for themselves: a record number of anti-Semitic incidents, few of them violent, but involving widespread abuse and threats to Jewish organisations, Jews in public places and on social media.
“It helps to explain the pressures felt by so many British Jews this summer, with its combination of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel hatred.
Following the release of the figures, police patrols have been stepped up in parts of Barnet to reassure the Jewish community.
Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers said there was no specific threat to any community in the borough, but did add: “I would urge all my constituents to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to the police.
“In recent days, I have highlighted the concerns of my constituents regarding the recent increase in anti-Semitic incidents and have urged the police to do all they can to try to prevent this kind of unacceptable behaviour.”“The high proportion of offenders who appear to come from sections of the Muslim community is of significant concern, raising fears that the kind of violent anti-Semitism suffered by French Jews in recent years may yet be repeated here in the UK.
“CST will continue working with the police and government against anti-Semitism, but we need the support of others. Opposing anti-Semitism takes actions not words.”
Following the release of the figures, police patrols have been stepped up in parts of Barnet to reassure the Jewish community.
Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers said there was no specific threat to any community in the borough, but did add: “I would urge all my constituents to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to the police.
“In recent days, I have highlighted the concerns of my constituents regarding the recent increase in anti-Semitic incidents and have urged the police to do all they can to try to prevent this kind of unacceptable behaviour.”
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