Following a deadly attack on a Manchester synagogue that left three people dead, the leading Jewish security organization has stated that antisemitism has been “allowed to grow” by politicians and society at large. Dave Rich, head of policy at the Community Security Trust, criticized plans for pro-Palestine marches on Saturday, calling it “remarkably self-absorbed and insensitive” to hold a silent vigil for Gaza after Thursday’s violence.
During the attack at Heaton Park synagogue, one worshipper was fatally stabbed, and another was accidentally shot by police as they attempted to stop the assailant, identified as local man Jihad al-Shamie, who was also killed by officers.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Rich expressed that outrage should be directed at the rising levels of anti-Jewish hatred, extremism, and incitement in recent years. He noted that some mosque sermons have been “off the charts with incitement” and that social media platforms have increasingly failed to address online hate targeting Jewish people.
Rich added that many in the Jewish community feel that sympathy is insufficient without action. He described it as “phenomenally tone deaf” for those who advocate for human rights to divert police resources from protecting Jewish people’s safety and freedom to worship, especially in support of a proscribed terrorist organization, which he emphasized is not equivalent to supporting Palestinians.
A pre-planned vigil against the ban on Palestine Action, organized by Defend Our Juries, is scheduled for Saturday in London’s Trafalgar Square, with a similar event at Manchester Cathedral. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has called for the protest’s cancellation, and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley warned it could heighten tensions and appear insensitive.
In response, human rights campaigner Sir Jonathon Porritt stated on the Today programme that participants in the vigil would show respect and grief for the victims of the Heaton Park tragedy but should not be expected to abandon their right to protest against what they describe as an ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Police have promised additional support for Jewish communities during Shabbat. Organizers had anticipated the protest would break the record for arrests at a single civil disobedience event, though it is now uncertain how many of the 1,500 pledged attendees will participate. The current record of 1,314 arrests was set by the Metropolitan Police during an anti-nuclear demonstration in Trafalgar Square in 1961.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the reported increase of antisemitism in the UK with clear and concise answers
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is antisemitism
Antisemitism is prejudice hatred of or discrimination against Jewish people simply because they are Jewish
2 What does the report say is happening in the UK
A Jewish security organization has reported that antisemitic incidents like hate speech harassment and vandalism are increasing They believe politicians and society have not done enough to stop it allowing it to become more common
3 Why is this a problem for everyone not just Jewish people
When one group is targeted with hate it creates a more divided and unsafe society for everyone It undermines the fundamental values of respect and tolerance
4 What are some examples of modern antisemitism
Examples include
Stereotyping Jewish people as controlling the banks or media
Using symbols like the Star of David in a hateful or threatening way
Blaming all Jewish people for the actions of the Israeli government
Vandalizing synagogues or Jewish cemeteries
5 What should I do if I witness an antisemitic incident
If its an emergency or someone is in immediate danger call 999 For nonemergencies you can report it to the police on 101 or to organizations like the Community Security Trust which monitors antisemitism
AdvancedLevel Questions
6 What role does the report say politicians have played in this increase
The report suggests that some politicians have failed to consistently and strongly condemn antisemitism This can be due to fear of losing votes a lack of understanding or using divisive language that indirectly fuels prejudice
7 How does criticism of Israel cross the line into antisemitism
Its possible to criticize a governments policies without being antisemitic However it crosses the line when people
Hold all Jewish people globally responsible for Israels actions
Use classic antisemitic stereotypes to describe Israel
Deny the Jewish peoples right to selfdetermination
8 What is the broader society doing or not doing according to the report
The report implies that society has become desensitized or too passive This includes
