British Jews Face Profound Shift as Antisemitism Surges

Egerton Road synagogue

British Jewish life is undergoing its most significant transformation in more than 60 years, driven by the fallout from the 7 October Hamas attacks, the war in Gaza, and a sharp rise in antisemitism at home, according to community leaders and members.

 

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, says the past two years have been “incredibly difficult,” with Jewish identity now felt “far more heavily” amid grief, fear and polarisation. British Jews were among those killed or taken hostage on 7 October, while the scale of destruction in Gaza has deeply divided opinion within the community.

 

That tension has been compounded by a surge in antisemitic incidents. Home Office figures show hate crimes targeting Jews in England and Wales more than doubled from 1,543 in the year to March 2023 to 3,282 by March 2024. The Community Security Trust says the past two years have seen the highest levels of antisemitism since its records began.

 

Many Jews report changing daily behaviour as a result. Some conceal visible signs of Jewish identity in public, while others have gravitated more strongly towards Jewish spaces and institutions for safety and solidarity. Recent attacks on Jewish targets, including the fatal Bondi Beach shooting during Hanukkah celebrations and the deadly assault on a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, have intensified those fears.

 

At the same time, divisions over Israel have become more pronounced. For some, rising hostility has reinforced the belief that Israel remains an essential safe haven for Jews worldwide. Others, particularly younger British Jews, argue that Israel’s actions in Gaza make them feel less safe in the UK and reject the idea that Jewish identity must be tied to Zionism.

 

Research by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research highlights a growing generational split: while nearly two-thirds of British Jews overall identify as Zionist, fewer than half of those aged 20–30 do so, with a growing minority identifying as anti-Zionist.

 

Community figures warn that fear, fragmentation and polarisation are reshaping British Jewish life in ways not seen since the late 1960s.

 

Key Takeaways

• Antisemitic hate crimes against Jews in Britain have more than doubled in a year.

• Many British Jews report feeling less safe and more inward-looking in daily life.

• A widening generational divide is emerging over Israel and Zionism within the community.

 

SOURCE: BBC

 

 

I'd be surprised if there is actually a 'surge' of anti-semitism in the UK. Myself I don't know anyone who feels that way.

 

There may be virulent anti-Israel feelings due to Israel's last 2 years of action in Gaza and the West Bank - (that's NOT to excuse Oct 7th in ANY way).

 

It's easy to confuse anti-semitism with an anti-Israel position . . . . .

1 minute ago, TorquayFan said:

Jingting - OH ! Whatever has porno got to do with anything. 

 

IMO Marcus spot on earlier with, "Lol that's the purpose of mixing the two".

That's very simple minded.

Some criticism of Israel and Zionism is very legitimate and some of it is indeed an expression of hatred of Jews.

It's usually easy to tell the difference.

I think it's easy to think that Jews support what's going on in Gaza, and if they do so then are likely to have problems as genocide doesn't fit with British moral values.

 

I'm sure if they come out unequivocally and say there are against what is happening in Gaza then they are less likely to have problems.

 

IMHO, the leaders of their communities should come right out and say we stand against what Israel is doing in Gaza and we stand with the Palestinians.

 

The same should be happening here with Jewish posters, who are probably just making it worse.

2 hours ago, MarcusAurelius said:

Maybe being behind the genocide of 70k Palestinians AND the primary ethnic group supporting mass immigration

 

   Jews are supporting mass immigration ?

That is an anti semitic comment, but I see you've already got your denial in first .

Anyway, who are the Jews supporting mass immigration ?

Whatever is going on in Gaza is 100% at the hands of the Palestinian "leadership" and the associated supporters of related filthy terrorists the world over. Of course, that same filth is responsible for the massive world-wide conspiratorial disinformation campaign that categorizes Israel's self defense as a "genocide" and decries -- for example -- "baby killing" that's not actually even occurring.

 

The perpetrators of anti-Jewish activity in the UK (and elsewhere) disingenuously manufacture a meaningless split between "Jewish" vs. "Zionist" but then hypocritically don't even attempt to use that split when carrying out their foul antics; they act indiscriminately.

 

It's all just a bunch of the usual suspects in the west and elsewhere taking advantage of what is merely the latest opportunity for Jew-hating. If you hate Jews, want to see UK Jewry -- and western civilization, by extension -- in ashes, etc. etc. at least have the huevos to admit it. At least that would be intellectually honest.

The head of the political party leading in the polls is an unapologetic antisemite.

 

And there’s no shortage of people eager to defend him.

7 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The head of the political party leading in the polls is an unapologetic antisemite.

 

And there’s no shortage of people eager to defend him.

 

He also gives his full support to Israel

 

Nigel Farage is a strong supporter of Israel, though he describes his position as being a "critical friend". As leader of the Reform UK party, his stance is generally pro-Israel, backing continued weapons exports and opposing the recognition of a Palestinian state under current conditions

3 hours ago, MarcusAurelius said:

Maybe being behind the genocide of 70k Palestinians AND the primary ethnic group supporting mass immigration much of it Muslim might have something to do with it? 

 

Funny this article comes on the heels of the mass murder in Oz. 

 

 

Similar tactics to those who are quick to say anti- Catholic.

28 minutes ago, tai4de2 said:

Whatever is going on in Gaza is 100% at the hands of the Palestinian "leadership" and the associated supporters of related filthy terrorists the world over. Of course, that same filth is responsible for the massive world-wide conspiratorial disinformation campaign that categorizes Israel's self defense as a "genocide" and decries -- for example -- "baby killing" that's not actually even occurring.

 

The perpetrators of anti-Jewish activity in the UK (and elsewhere) disingenuously manufacture a meaningless split between "Jewish" vs. "Zionist" but then hypocritically don't even attempt to use that split when carrying out their foul antics; they act indiscriminately.

 

It's all just a bunch of the usual suspects in the west and elsewhere taking advantage of what is merely the latest opportunity for Jew-hating. If you hate Jews, want to see UK Jewry -- and western civilization, by extension -- in ashes, etc. etc. at least have the huevos to admit it. At least that would be intellectually honest.

 

Tai your reply is over the top for Posters who are taking an honest enough look at this. I get the pain and the fear you feel - I was talking to a Friend who happens to be Jewish this morning - (I would treat him the same, whatever his Religion).

 

It is fair to observe that many Israelis are uncomfortable with Netanyahu's policies.

 

Take it easy - these rumblings in the UK will pass hopefully . . . 

 

 

4 minutes ago, TorquayFan said:

 

It is fair to observe that many Israelis are uncomfortable with Netanyahu's policies.

 

 

    Just like every other County .

In every Country there are citizens that disagree with government policies .

What makes you think that Israel would be any different ?

Some of my best friends are Jews.

The others are Chinese (Chinese from China, not the ones in the USA, particularly, unless they are 1st Gen Americans, those fresh off the boat.)

It has always been this way with me...during...

The past 68 years, since I turned six.

 

Now that I am so old, old as I now seem to be,

I doubt this will change, very much, for me....

No matter what might happen in this sick world.

 

Things can only get better, since they cannot get much worse.

Or, can they?

 

 

 

 

 

If I was a Jew in Britain I would seek asylum in the United States. If I was  Jewish in Europe I would seek asylum in the United States.

4 hours ago, TorquayFan said:

I'd be surprised if there is actually a 'surge' of anti-semitism in the UK. Myself I don't know anyone who feels that way.

 

There may be virulent anti-Israel feelings due to Israel's last 2 years of action in Gaza and the West Bank - (that's NOT to excuse Oct 7th in ANY way).

 

It's easy to confuse anti-semitism with an anti-Israel position . . . . .

You don't know anyone who feels that way! So you don't have any Jewish friends. Too bad.

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

He also gives his full support to Israel

 

Nigel Farage is a strong supporter of Israel, though he describes his position as being a "critical friend". As leader of the Reform UK party, his stance is generally pro-Israel, backing continued weapons exports and opposing the recognition of a Palestinian state under current conditions

Well yes, Israel are slaughtering one of the other groups the racist Farage hates.

 

But thanks for demonstrating the truth of the second point I made.

 

 

2 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

I think it's easy to think that Jews support what's going on in Gaza, and if they do so then are likely to have problems as genocide doesn't fit with British moral values.

 

I'm sure if they come out unequivocally and say there are against what is happening in Gaza then they are less likely to have problems.

 

IMHO, the leaders of their communities should come right out and say we stand against what Israel is doing in Gaza and we stand with the Palestinians.

 

The same should be happening here with Jewish posters, who are probably just making it worse.

What a disgusting post.

Not even worthy of a response. 

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Jews are supporting mass immigration ?

That is an anti semitic comment, but I see you've already got your denial in first .

Anyway, who are the Jews supporting mass immigration ?

That's the kind of Jew hating garbage that motivated the killer at the biggest massacre of Jews in American history.

2 hours ago, tai4de2 said:

Whatever is going on in Gaza is 100% at the hands of the Palestinian "leadership" and the associated supporters of related filthy terrorists the world over. Of course, that same filth is responsible for the massive world-wide conspiratorial disinformation campaign that categorizes Israel's self defense as a "genocide" and decries -- for example -- "baby killing" that's not actually even occurring.

 

The perpetrators of anti-Jewish activity in the UK (and elsewhere) disingenuously manufacture a meaningless split between "Jewish" vs. "Zionist" but then hypocritically don't even attempt to use that split when carrying out their foul antics; they act indiscriminately.

 

It's all just a bunch of the usual suspects in the west and elsewhere taking advantage of what is merely the latest opportunity for Jew-hating. If you hate Jews, want to see UK Jewry -- and western civilization, by extension -- in ashes, etc. etc. at least have the huevos to admit it. At least that would be intellectually honest.

Because of course there can be no legitimate reason to oppose Israel’s genocide, ethnic cleansing and land grab in Gaza.

 

 

32 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Well yes, Israel are slaughtering one of the other groups the racist Farage hates.

 

But thanks for demonstrating the truth of the second point I made.

 

 

 

  Farage has always supported Israel, even before the Gaza war 2023

3 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Because of course there can be no legitimate reason to oppose Israel’s genocide, ethnic cleansing and land grab in Gaza.

 

 

 

   Opposing a war in the Middle East by attacking Jews in the UK ?

10 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Opposing a war in the Middle East by attacking Jews in the UK ?

This is what they met by global the intifada.

29 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  Farage has always supported Israel, even before the Gaza war 2023

Why do you think Farage refuses to apologize for his history of antisemitism and racism?

 

He has been given multiple opportunities to apologize, on every occasion he fails to do so.

 

His refusal to apologize is a choice, not one that a reformed antisemite/racist would struggle with.

 

 

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Why do you think Farage refuses to apologize for his history of antisemitism and racism?

He has been given multiple opportunities to apologize, on every occasion he fails to do so.

His refusal to apologize is a choice, not one that a reformed antisemite/racist would struggle with.

 

 

   Now, this thread isn't about Nigel Farage , though is it .

30 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Opposing a war in the Middle East by attacking Jews in the UK ?

I abhor and condemn attacks on Jews in the UK.

 

And I don’t characterize opposition to Israel’s genocidal war, ethnic cleansing and land grab in Gaza as an attack on Jews in the UK, or anywhere else.

2 hours ago, 300sd said:

You don't know anyone who feels that way! So you don't have any Jewish friends. Too bad.

 

300 - read the posts - I spent 2 hours chatting to a Jewish Pal this very morning . . . .

2 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

I don't know if you're Jewish or whatever but this is exactly the type of thing which is leading to these troubles. How far do you think you can push until the people simply end the conversion and kick them out? 

 

So we're nazis, racist, jew haters etc...? ok fine then you're banned and don't come back. Is that what you want?

I'm not the one posting Nazi type white nationalist links. You are.

 

6 minutes ago, TedG said:

The Jews cause all your failures in the world? Right? 

Thats why hes been in thailand this long. Joined forum in 2008

8 hours ago, TorquayFan said:

I'd be surprised if there is actually a 'surge' of anti-semitism in the UK. Myself I don't know anyone who feels that way.

There may be virulent anti-Israel feelings due to Israel's last 2 years of action in Gaza and the West Bank - (that's NOT to excuse Oct 7th in ANY way).

It's easy to confuse anti-semitism with an anti-Israel position . . . . .

 

There most definitely has been a surge in the UK. It has gained ground, first with the leftist political groups that caused so much harm in the UK in the 1970's, and carried over to the  Corbyn faction of Labour. It is now spread by the Pakistani and Bengali immigrant population of the UK. No one has dared to  protest such sentiments for fear of being branded as Islamophobic.  The sentiments have found a fertile home in the BBC where there is a political mindset that embraces such views. 

 

 

7 hours ago, MarcusAurelius said:

 

Lol that's the purpose of mixing the two. If you don't support Israel you're an antisemite. It's just name calling at this point.  Any high ground was lost 30 days into the Palestinian genocide. A bunch of East European Jews pushing local population off the land. Most of Europe has condemned it out rightly by now

And this topic provides cover for you to promote your wilful misinformation and false narrative. Israel always had jewish people. The Jews of Judea have always been there. Jews were often forced off their lands by Arabian colonizers, but the Jews have always returned, much as salmon return to their spawning grounds.  It is the Arabs who have forced themselves onto other people's lands. Why do you think there are Arabs in Africa? Do you thinkl the. black Africans invited them in so that they could be enslaved and sold off for centuries?

 

 

5 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

I think it's easy to think that Jews support what's going on in Gaza, and if they do so then are likely to have problems as genocide doesn't fit with British moral values.

 

I'm sure if they come out unequivocally and say there are against what is happening in Gaza then they are less likely to have problems.

 

IMHO, the leaders of their communities should come right out and say we stand against what Israel is doing in Gaza and we stand with the Palestinians.

 

The same should be happening here with Jewish posters, who are probably just making it worse.

 

You are accepting  a  number from Hamas as the gospel truth. That number includes combat casualties, tens of thousands of combatants who died attacking Israel or in  firefights with the IDF. The Hamas number also includes deaths that were part of the life cycle in Gaza. It is an area that had a high incidence of genetic disorders, heart disease, diabetes and the associated renal diseases.  Compounding the lie, is that Hamas included the Arabs it executed. Hamas used the war as an opportunity to kill more of its opponents and to blame the deaths on Israel. Many of the deaths described as "civilians" were in fact  part of the Hamas command and control operation and its logistics support. Hamas used children to  move its munitions and to carry information between command posts. it also used the families of its militants as human shields. It is not Israel's fault if Hamas used its own residential buildings as rocket launch sites. Your number also ignores the reality that enough of Hamas and friend's rockets misfired and landed on   Gazans, killing and wounded them. For example, the mass carnage at Al Ahli Arab Hospital  where hundreds died was caused by a Hamas rocket. Hamas tried to blame Israel for the event and  media outlets  like Al Jazeera were quick to blame Israel without evidence.  https://www.npr.org/2023/10/19/1207173798/fake-accounts-old-videos-and-rumors-fuel-chaos-around-gaza-hospital-explosion.  Today, the AI generated false videos still circulate and Al Jazeera has never retracted its claim. 

 

15 minutes ago, BangkokHank said:

So I take it that you have no response to the actual article, and you're going to use your "not surprised that Asean Now is hosting such filth" to get any views that you are opposed to (by which I mean anything that tells the truth) censored. So I expect that this entire discussion will be gone by tomorrow. When you can't win an argument, you Jews always resort to censorship.

 

The information is inaccurate and intentionally misleading.  Neonazi hate organizations are not reliable sources. You have been exposed as a neo nazi follower. Not surprising.  And Asean Now's advertisers will be delighted to learn that the site is home to  people posting neo nazi proaganda.

Didn't take long for one of the resident bigots to pounce on an opportunity to circulate some more hateful commentary.