It has been said that antisemitism is history’s oldest hatred. But, as recent appalling attacks on London’s Jewish communities and the terrible events in Texas have sadly demonstrated, it is not a relic of the past. Rather, it is a modern-day reality for many Jewish people that must be condemned, confronted and defeated.

I was disgusted by the attacks that have taken place in Stamford Hill in recent weeks. Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society and stamping it out in London is a top priority for me as Mayor.

This is an issue I care about deeply, and the suggestion that City Hall is somehow ignoring the rise in antisemitism could not be further from the truth.

Nearly six years ago, I attended a Yom HaShoah memorial event on my very first day as Mayor of London. It’s a day I’ll never forget. And, ever since, I’ve been proud to be a Muslim Mayor who stands shoulder to shoulder with Jewish Londoners as we take on antisemitism whenever and wherever it’s found, including within the Labour party.

The shocking rise in antisemitism over the last year means we must redouble our efforts as a city once again.

I’m working with the police to ensure a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism is always enforced in London and that perpetrators of sickening hate crimes are brought to justice. My police and crime plan for London outlines my strategy, which focuses on three key areas: prevention, supporting victims and oversight of police enforcement activity. I am working closely with the Met to ensure that all incidents of antisemitism are dealt with quickly, reassurance patrols are put into place and victims of antisemitism have access to specialist support.

The Met now has a dedicated officer in every London borough with specific training to support victims of, and investigations into, hate crime.

We are also investing record sums in addressing the scourge of hate crime, funding numerous initiatives to support victims and investing in grassroots organisations and civil society groups which are working hard to prevent hate from taking root.

Last year, we launched a new grants programme for projects that work to counter antisemitism, hate, intolerance and extremism. As part of this, we are supporting the Anne Frank Trust in delivering education workshops in schools where young people can learn about Anne Frank’s life, the scourge of antisemitism and the horrors of the Holocaust.

Other beneficiaries include Maccabi GB, who bring facilitators from Jewish and Muslim backgrounds into schools to explore issues surrounding antisemitism and Islamophobia, and the Union of Jewish Students, who work with students and institutions in higher education to combat antisemitism and hate on university campuses.

In the days, weeks and months ahead, I promise to work harder than ever to root out antisemitism and to ensure Jewish Londoners not only feel safe, but are safe in our city. And I promise to continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Jewish Londoners, who contribute so much to our capital and who have embraced me with open arms since my very first day as Mayor.

We have a huge challenge ahead, but by standing together and resisting those who seek to sow the seeds of division, I truly believe we can drive antisemitism out of our city, and that Londoners can look forward to a future where the forces of hate and prejudice are in retreat and the values of hope, peace and unity are in the ascendancy.