The Community security trust (CST) report on antisemitic incidents, published on August 8th, 2024, records that count 1,978 acts of antisemitic hate in the United Kingdom. These records cover the first six months of the year. This is the highest figure ever recorded by CST for this period of time. Indeed, it overpasses all previous annual totals except for 2021 and 2023. Similar spikes were also observed due to antisemitic reactions to the conflict in the Middle East. It represents a 105% increase compared to the 964 incidents reported during the first half of 2023 and a 44% rise from the previous half-year.
These acts range from verbal insults in the street to threats on social media. Physical attacks, desecration of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries have also been signaled. Moreover, antisemitic graffiti has appeared in several cities, while public figures, including political leaders, have increasingly become targets of hate speech.
The geopolitical context
In 2024, the rise in antisemitism in England is largely driven by the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Indeed, this conflict has deeply polarized public opinion.
Heightened tensions in the Middle East have led to a disturbing trend where criticism of Israeli policy frequently spills over into attacks on the Jewish community as a whole. This conflation of Israel with Jews is particularly evident during pro-Palestinian protests, where antisemitic slogans often surface.
In England, this phenomenon is more pronounced than elsewhere due to the extensive media coverage of the conflict and the active presence of campaigning groups on both sides. The British context, marked by a long-standing tradition of robust political debate and broad freedom of expression, provides fertile ground for the intensification of these tensions. Additionally, the post-Brexit political polarisation and growing social divisions exacerbate a climate of distrust, where minority communities, including Jews, have increasingly become targets.
Institutional response to these attacks
A new bus line – 310 – was introduced in London in September to enhance the safety and security of Jewish commuters. This bus operating from 7am to 7pm daily with a 20 minutes frequency, connects two major Jewish communities in the city, Stamford Hill and Golders Green, both located in the North of London.
The line was introduced in collaboration with local Jewish organizations such as the London Jewish forum and the Board of deputies of British Jews, which had been campaigning for the service for over 15 years. This initiative was also strongly supported by mayor Sadiq Khan, who played a key role in its implementation. He emphasized the importance of making public transport accessible and safe for everyone.
Transport For London, the city’s government body responsible for the transportation network, is collecting data to determine whether this route will become a permanent fixture.
Faced with this resurgence of antisemitism, British institutions have responded, but the measures often seem insufficient. The police have stepped up efforts to monitor and investigate hate crimes, but the Jewish community continues to report a lack of adequate protection, particularly in areas with high Jewish populations.
