News
Record number of antisemitic incidents recorded in May
The figure so far, 325, surpasses the number reported during the 2014 conflict
May 28, 2021 15:47
The figure so far, 325, surpasses the number reported during the 2014 conflict
May 28, 2021 15:47The Community Security Trust has recorded more antisemitic incidents this month than any other since records began.
Between May 8 and May 27, 325 incidents of antisemitism were reported to CST.
This figure surpasses the 317 antisemitic incidents recorded during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict of July 2014.
In total, there has been a 392 per cent increase in reported antisemitic incidents from the 20 days prior to the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza.
Of these, 116 occurred online while 209 were in person.
However, the CST has said that figures are provisional and bound to change.
Across the UK, the majority of antisemitic incidents reported to CST occurred in London (143), followed by Manchester (56), West Yorkshire (18), Merseyside (14) and Hertfordshire (13).
Just yesterday, a British Jewish charity supporting children and adults with learning disabilities has had its Instagram account hacked by pro-Palestine activists.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday a Jewish nurse who works at the Royal London Hospital was left “shaken” after being confronted in a hospital lift by men who shouted, “I want to kill all your people”.
Community leaders across the UK have issued statements on this month’s surge in antisemitism.
Board of Deputies President, Marie van der Zyl, said: “This record amount of antisemitism is extremely worrying, but sadly unsurprising.
“Every time there is an escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas, some anti-Israel activists in this country take their anger out on British Jews.
“We hope that all such perpetrators are found and held accountable for their actions.”
A spokesperson for CST said: “Every time Israel is at war antisemitism hits record levels in the UK, and this is another depressing month to add to those in 2014, 2009 and 2006.
“However, there is nothing inevitable about this: it happens because some people choose to attack, abuse, threaten and harass British Jews, and being angry about Israel is no excuse.”