Rising Antisemitism in the UK: A Crisis of Fear and Division

 

In recent years, the Jewish community in the United Kingdom has found itself increasingly targeted by acts of antisemitism, leading to a profound sense of fear and insecurity among its members. Reports of physical attacks, verbal abuse, and hateful rhetoric have surged, prompting many within the community to contemplate leaving the country they once called home. Against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the 7 October Hamas massacre in Israel, antisemitic incidents have reached alarming levels, evoking comparisons to dark periods in history.

 

 

The Jewish experience in Britain has been marred by a series of disturbing incidents that reflect a deep-seated prejudice against the community. According to the Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in the UK, there were over 4,000 reported incidents of antisemitism last year, a significant increase from previous years. These incidents range from verbal harassment and intimidation to physical assaults and vandalism of Jewish property. Such attacks have instilled a pervasive sense of fear among Jewish residents, who now feel increasingly vulnerable and targeted in their own neighborhoods.

 

 

One such victim, Jack Christie, vividly recounts his experience of antisemitic abuse while traveling on public transport. He describes how a seemingly ordinary journey turned into a nightmare when he and his friends were subjected to racial slurs and threats of violence by a fellow passenger. Despite the absence of any provocation, the perpetrator unleashed a torrent of hate-filled rhetoric, accusing them of heinous crimes and inciting fear and intimidation. This ordeal left Christie shaken and fearful for his safety, prompting him to rethink his sense of security in public spaces.

 

 

Similarly, Sharon, a 47-year-old Jewish woman, shares her harrowing encounters with antisemitism, recounting two separate incidents of physical assault and verbal abuse. In one instance, she was accosted by a man who aggressively interrogated her about her religion before physically attacking her and destroying her phone. In another incident, she faced a barrage of antisemitic slurs from a woman who expressed unapologetic hostility towards Jews. These traumatic experiences have left Sharon feeling profoundly unsafe and alienated in her own country, leading her to contemplate leaving for a place where she can live without fear of persecution.

 

The recent victory of George Galloway, a controversial figure with a history of inflammatory rhetoric, in the Rochdale by-election has only heightened concerns within the Jewish community. Galloway's past statements and associations have raised alarm bells among Jewish organizations, who fear that his election could embolden antisemitic sentiments and normalize hate speech. The Board of Deputies of British Jews has condemned Galloway's win as a "dark day" for the UK's Jewish community, highlighting the growing sense of unease and apprehension among its members.

 

In response to the escalating crisis, the British government has pledged additional funding for the CST to bolster security measures and support for the Jewish community. However, many feel that more needs to be done to address the root causes of antisemitism and combat the pervasive culture of hatred and intolerance. The rise of antisemitism in the UK is not just a Jewish issue but a societal one, reflecting broader divisions and prejudices that threaten the fabric of British society.

 

 

As the Jewish community grapples with the specter of rising antisemitism, there is a pressing need for collective action to confront this scourge and safeguard the rights and safety of all citizens. It is incumbent upon political leaders, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations to unequivocally condemn antisemitism in all its forms and work together to foster a more inclusive and tolerant society. Only by standing united against hatred and bigotry can we hope to build a future where all individuals can live free from fear and discrimination.

 

04.03.24

Source

 

I have a the personal letters of someone who, together with her brother, fled to the UK from Nazi Germany.

 

The letters record the hatred the family were facing, their fear and their agonizing over the decision to flee.

 

They also record the reception the siblings received in the UK and the first years of their lives in England.

 

Tragically, letter after letter after letter brings news of the deportation of their parents, relatives and final confirmation of their deaths.

 

I’ve frequently read these letters through my teenage years and adult life.

 

I’m absolutely sure there are incidences of abuse against Jews in the UK, one such incident would be one too many, but I doubt very much anything happening in the UK now comes anywhere near close to the experiences of Jews in Nazi Germany.

 

I do however think the experiences of Jews in the UK are heading in the direction of where they were in 1930s UK.  Antisemitism has a long history in the UK and was certainly experienced for Jews who fled Nazi Germany to the UK.

 

But the UK 2024 feeling like Nazi Germany? 

 

IMHO hyperbole.

Jewish people 'terrified to leave homes' during pro-Palestinian marches, says Jeremy Hunt

While most people wanted to demonstrate peacefully, Jeremy Hunt told Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips show there had been instances of "very intimidatory protests" and this was "not the British way".

When "lines are being crossed" this needed to be confronted and extremism challenged, he said.

Mr Hunt made his comments after Rishi Sunak warned over "extremist forces trying to tear us apart" during a Downing Street address to the nation.

The prime minister, who had previously warned over the risk of "mob rule", said "protests on our streets have descended into intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence" and "our democracy itself is a target".

https://news.sky.com/story/not-the-british-way-jewish-people-terrified-to-go-out-of-their-houses-says-jeremy-hunt-13086241

2 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I have a the personal letters of someone who, together with her brother, fled to the UK from Nazi Germany.

 

The letters record the hatred the family were facing, their fear and their agonizing over the decision to flee.

 

They also record the reception the siblings received in the UK and the first years of their lives in England.

 

Tragically, letter after letter after letter brings news of the deportation of their parents, relatives and final confirmation of their deaths.

 

I’ve frequently read these letters through my teenage years and adult life.

 

I’m absolutely sure there are incidences of abuse against Jews in the UK, one such incident would be one too many, but I doubt very much anything happening in the UK now comes anywhere near close to the experiences of Jews in Nazi Germany.

 

I do however think the experiences of Jews in the UK are heading in the direction of where they were in 1930s UK.  Antisemitism has a long history in the UK and was certainly experienced for Jews who fled Nazi Germany to the UK.

 

But the UK 2024 feeling like Nazi Germany? 

 

IMHO hyperbole.

 

It's no surprise that you would try to downplay the rapid rise of antisemitism in the UK. 

 

You sound like Dianne Abbott claiming Jews do not face racism and comparing it to having ginger hair. 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/apr/23/diane-abbott-suspended-by-labour-after-saying-jewish-people-not-subject-to-racism

 

No doubt people were also trying to downplay it prior to the rise of the Nazi party's reign of terror. That's some elite company you're in. 

 

Dress like everyone else and nobody will know your religion. (Or sexuality). It's that easy!

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

It's no surprise that you would try to downplay the rapid rise of antisemitism in the UK. 

 

You sound like Dianne Abbott claiming Jews do not face racism and comparing it to having ginger hair. 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/apr/23/diane-abbott-suspended-by-labour-after-saying-jewish-people-not-subject-to-racism

 

No doubt people were also trying to downplay it prior to the rise of the Nazi party's reign of terror. That's some elite company you're in. 

 

Down play?

 

Dianne Abbott?

I’m simply relating the experiences of people I knew, had of both Nazi Germany and 1930s/40s Britain, as recorded in their correspondence. 
 

I’m pleased you at least know the Nazis conducted a reign of terror, which is precisely why in my opinion the statement ’Britain feels like Nazi Germany’ is hyperbole. 
 

The UK Government are not enacting any laws persecuting Jews or engaging in any of the behaviors and policies of the Nazis.

 

 

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Dress like everyone else and nobody will know your religion. (Or sexuality). It's that easy!

You beat me to it. Jews look like anyone else, so unless they use some means to let other people know they are Jews, no one will know. Perhaps they wear an israeli flag.

 

For women, they don't have to wear any particular attire, so likewise, unlike Muslim women that think they have to wear a hair covering on their head. They don't but most have been IMO brainwashed into thinking they have to.

6 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The UK Government are not enacting any laws persecuting Jews or engaging in any of the behaviors and policies of the Nazis.

 

But the Met Police are consistently failing to enforce existing laws on hate speech when Jews are on the receiving end of it.

 

Two tiered policing. Not really a surprise when you have Khan as Mayor. 

2 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

But the Met Police are consistently failing to enforce existing laws on hate speech when Jews are on the receiving end of it.

 

Two tiered policing. Not really a surprise when you have Khan as Mayor. 

and yet........................

We have many reports concerning the rise of anti Muslim activity in the UK. Seems some don't like either very much.

6 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

You beat me to it. Jews look like anyone else, so unless they use some means to let other people know they are Jews, no one will know. Perhaps they wear an israeli flag.

 

For women, they don't have to wear any particular attire, so likewise, unlike Muslim women that think they have to wear a hair covering on their head. They don't but most have been IMO brainwashed into thinking they have to.

So the extreme antisemitism is ok because it's possible to hide their religious identity from the protesters.

 

In other words keep themselves hidden like a good Jew should. 

 

What a sad apologist you are.

 

 

8 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

But the Met Police are consistently failing to enforce existing laws on hate speech when Jews are on the receiving end of it.

 

Two tiered policing. Not really a surprise when you have Khan as Mayor. 

Oh.

 

So the police fail to arrest everyone that breaks a law and you see a conspiracy, lead by Mayor Khan and involving the MET.

 

Always a dark and murky conspiracy.

 

4 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

and yet........................

We have many reports concerning the rise of anti Muslim activity in the UK. Seems some don't like either very much.

We should have a thread on that.

7 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

and yet........................

We have many reports concerning the rise of anti Muslim activity in the UK. Seems some don't like either very much.

Deflection 

 

Sharp increase in anti-Muslim hatred in UK, particularly against women

https://aseannow.com/topic/1321439-sharp-increase-in-anti-muslim-hatred-in-uk-particularly-against-women

 

28 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

and yet........................

We have many reports concerning the rise of anti Muslim activity in the UK. Seems some don't like either very much.

Got to say I don't much like religious bigots of any flavour.

Go around professing to be gods chosen, and the rest of us are scum, and reap what you sow.

38 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

You beat me to it. Jews look like anyone else, so unless they use some means to let other people know they are Jews, no one will know. Perhaps they wear an israeli flag.

 

For women, they don't have to wear any particular attire, so likewise, unlike Muslim women that think they have to wear a hair covering on their head. They don't but most have been IMO brainwashed into thinking they have to.

Do we have to disguise ourselves to be safe on our streets now, idiot response to an idiot post.

2 minutes ago, Wobblybob said:

Do we have to disguise ourselves to be safe on our streets now, idiot response to an idiot post.

Try to fit in with those around you, and bad stuff is less likely to happen.

This is obvious.

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

Try to fit in with those around you, and bad stuff is less likely to happen.

This is obvious.

So when in a protest area make sure to blend in by wearing a hijab or if your a man a nice green headband band like their favourite Hamas terrorist?

I speak with many Brits and they dont really complain about Jews at all. But they love going on about Indians, Pakistanis, Africans etc especially if they are muslim.

The Jews are very good at making sure "anti semitism" gets put up there more than anti others. They are highly sensitive.

15 minutes ago, Wobblybob said:

Do we have to disguise ourselves to be safe on our streets now, idiot response to an idiot post.

What does "disguise yourself" actually mean, does it mean dress like everyone else?

Very curious. Here we have Jews in the UK saying it's like nazi Germany but woe betide anyone who says that about Palestinians living in Gaza. Suddenly their sacred cow isn't so sacred anymore.

 

I'm not condoning the antisemitism in the UK for a moment but it seems like Jews are the only peoples who are allowed to use the word nazi and they can use it at will. Their treatment in the UK is an understandable, if not acceptable, response to the current intransigence of their dear leader and his war cabinet.

 

They should be complaining about Israel much louder than complaining about the UK.

11 minutes ago, giddyup said:

What does "disguise yourself" actually mean, does it mean dress like everyone else?

 

Funny how that's been a criticism of Muslims for decades because they don't "assimilate".

Just now, ozimoron said:

 

Funny how that's been a criticism of Muslims for decades because they don't "assimilate".

I'm just curious as to how Jews dress differently in the UK that makes them a target.

1 minute ago, giddyup said:

I'm just curious as to how Jews dress differently in the UK that makes them a target.

 

I don't know, I was responding to a comment about the sentiment.

 

Personally, I think they don't dress differently and the sentiment was wrong. I do think that maybe they are getting push back from running their mouth at a time when the national sentiment is strongly anti Israel and pro Palestinian. Unfortunate but that what's you get when you aren't openly protesting the actions of your own war criminal leader.

10 minutes ago, ozimoron said:

Their treatment in the UK is an understandable, if not acceptable, response to the current intransigence of their dear leader and his war cabinet.

 

They should be complaining about Israel much louder than complaining about the UK.

Amazing how far the human race has come, so that there are people who now say hate is acceptable. 

9 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I'm just curious as to how Jews dress differently in the UK that makes them a target.

Some people just need to justify their hate, how people dress has nothing to do with it.

6 minutes ago, Trippy said:

Amazing how far the human race has come, so that there are people who now say hate is acceptable. 

 

Racism has been acceptable in Israel since 1948 in the form of apartheid and genocidal actions like the illegal settlements and by actively working to thwart a Palestinian state and now with mass indiscriminate bombing.

 

The Likud party couldn't have been poisoning the well any harder. I know you don't wart to focus on the war crimes in Israel. What should the citizens of UK be saying about that?

 

The Vietnam veterans suffered a similar fate toward the end of the Vietnam war. War crimes are never popular.

1 minute ago, Trippy said:

Some people just need to justify their hate, how people dress has nothing to do with it.

You need to read the post I responded to.

11 minutes ago, ozimoron said:

 

I don't know, I was responding to a comment about the sentiment.

 

Personally, I think they don't dress differently and the sentiment was wrong. I do think that maybe they are getting push back from running their mouth at a time when the national sentiment is strongly anti Israel and pro Palestinian. Unfortunate but that what's you get when you aren't openly protesting the actions of your own war criminal leader.

Why do they have to protest against their own country to not be persecuted? Why are they persecuted when they protest Hamas holding their families and loved ones?

2 minutes ago, coolcarer said:

Why do they have to protest against their own country to not be persecuted? Why are they persecuted when they protest Hamas holding their families and loved ones?

 

Persecuted might be a bit strong don't you think? Maybe you should save that word for real persecution. I already said they shouldn't be abused but if they openly support their war criminal government's actions then they are going to draw some flak.

 

That anti Israel sentiment isn't confined to Berkeley.

 

 

11 minutes ago, ozimoron said:

 

Persecuted might be a bit strong don't you think? Maybe you should save that word for real persecution. I already said they shouldn't be abused but if they openly support their war criminal government's actions then they are going to draw some flak.

 

That anti Israel sentiment isn't confined to Berkeley.

 

 

You said

28 minutes ago, ozimoron said:

 

Unfortunate but that what's you get when you aren't openly protesting the actions of your own war criminal leader.

So stop the weak deflection of your victim blaming