IA “FACT” already emphasized on the fact that a significant number of Jews living in EU countries are forced to hide their origin due to fears for their own safety.
And this has objective prerequisites. This is probably how the genetic memory of the nation, which at one time experienced the holocaust of pogroms, and which is aware that this horror is currently returning, works. Think for yourself. World mass media are reported, that for the first half of this year, the Public Security Fund Community Security Trust, CST reported 1,978 incidents of anti-Jewish hate, compared to 964 in the first half of last year.
This is the highest figure ever reported by CST for the first half of any year. These incidents include acts of hate directed against the Jewish community, provoked by events in the Middle East and fueled by existing anti-Jewish prejudice. To many observers, it seems obvious that this surge in anti-Semitism is due to the continuing impact of the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel last October.
The report is based on self-reported incident data. Some 1,037 of the recorded anti-Semitic incidents occurred in Greater London, including 411 in Barnet, the local area with the UK’s largest Jewish community. According to CST, a technical glitch in March disrupted the flow of reports from the Metropolitan Police, meaning the real numbers across Greater London are actually even higher.
Greater Manchester (268) and West Yorkshire (115) have the second and third highest number of reported anti-Semitic incidents.
The numbers speak for themselves
Across the United Kingdom, 121 attacks were recorded in the first half of 2024, which is a 41% increase compared to the same period last year. Cases of threats, damage and desecration of Jewish property tripled in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of last year.
In the field of education, there were 162 (against 74 for the same period in 2023) cases of anti-Semitism involving people and property. The most impressive is the escalation of anti-Jewish attitudes in the field of higher education – here the number of incidents has increased by as much as 465%!
This year, 96 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded in which the victims or offenders were teachers, students, student unions or societies. CST says this is a record high, as only 17 incidents of university-related anti-Semitism were recorded in the first half of 2023.
Mark Gardner, executive director of CST, is amazed at the unprecedentedness of these statistics. He is confident: “CST will continue to steadfastly defend our British Jewish communities, guided by our values of community, safety and trust… CST welcomes the ever-growing determination of our community to remain strong and proud despite the hate.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Conservative Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverley are convinced that society must stop the rise in hatred seen in the UK since the Hamas terror attack on October 7. “British Jews cannot be allowed to fear for their safety on the streets of modern Britain.”
What can be done about it
In November, then Chancellor Jeremy Hunt pledged £7m over the next three years to charities fighting anti-Semitism in the UK.
Of course, the authorities of the United Kingdom are taking measures to combat the surge of anti-Semitism. First of all, these are increased police patrols in areas with a Jewish population, increased security measures for Jewish institutions, as well as educational programs to raise awareness of anti-Semitism and promote tolerance.
In addition, efforts are ongoing to strengthen legislation and ensure that perpetrators of hate crimes face appropriate legal consequences. The purpose of these activities is to create a safe environment for the Jewish community and effectively combat prejudice.
Initiatives to promote tolerance and diversity
Educational programs, politically correct representation of the Jewish minority in the mass media, and celebration of cultural events should be among the initiatives that contribute to the education of tolerance and diversity in society. Of course, it’s hard to overstate the importance of community dialogue, cultural exchange programs, and workplace diversity initiatives.
More specifically, schools and universities should engage in diversity and inclusion education. Telling students about different cultures, religions and perspectives promotes understanding and empathy.
The media must accurately and positively shape the audience’s perceptions of various groups. Thus, highlighting stories of resilience, success and contributions of underrepresented communities, in this case Jewish ones, helps overcome stereotypes.
The implementation of cultural exchange programs between different communities helps people learn about other cultures firsthand. Familiarity with different traditions, languages and customs promotes mutual respect and understanding.
Companies can also implement diversity and inclusion policies, ensuring that different ethnicities, genders and abilities are fairly represented. Educational programs can raise awareness of unconscious biases and promote respectful interactions between people of different nations.
Communities can organize festivals, food fairs and cultural events where people from other nations can learn about each other’s traditions. Such celebrations form a sense of belonging and respect for diversity.
Organizing community dialogues or general meetings allows people from different backgrounds to share their experiences and discuss common challenges. Such conversations foster empathy, break down stereotypes, and build bridges between communities.
Tatyana Morarash
