By, Sandy Rashty
1 min read
BySandy Rashty, Sandy Rashty
The UK is set to introduce new laws to combat the rise in antisemitism, which increased over the Israel-Gaza war this summer.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles vowed to fight the “dark forces” of antisemitism – from university campuses to the football pitch – and teach schoolchildren about the Holocaust.
He said funding for extra security at Jewish schools would be made available, and tough punishments for online hate crime indtroduced.
There will be new measures to combat hate on campuses. Mr Pickles also vowed to kick antisemtism out of football.
The announcement came as a government report on tackling anti-Jewish hate is published.
Writing the Daily Express, Mr Pickles said: “The irrational hatred of Jews is like cancer. Once beaten it can come back. It lurks in the shadows, and in 2014 there has been a revolting relapse of this ancient evil. “Sadly Britain has not been immune. We share this shame.
“Institutions that should have stood up to this thuggish behaviour did not. Like the Holborn branch of Sainsbury’s, clearing their shelves of kosher food to satisfy anti-Israeli yobs outside. This casual acceptance of antisemitism was outrageous.
He added: “Even some councils have behaved irresponsibly. Like Tower Hamlets, engaging in their own municipal foreign policy by flying the Palestinian flag. These public bodies should be using their position of authority to actively reduce tensions, not stir them up…
“Antisemitism and hate crime are completely incompatible with traditional British values and totally unacceptable in our society.”
This comes after UK Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to fight antisemitism at the annual Norwood fundraising dinner last month.
The Community Security Trust recorded 302 antisemitic incidents in July 2014, a rise of over 400 per cent from the 59 incidents recorded in July 2013 – the record number recorded by the antisemitic watchdog.
CST also recorded at least 150 antisemitic incidents in August.
