January Likely To Be Worst Month Of Anti-Semitism

by Justin Cohen - Wednesday 14th January 2009


The number of anti-Semitic incidents in Britain in January looks set to exceed any previous month since CST records began, it emerged this week, as politicians across the political spectrum expressed their horror at the wave of hate that has followed the start of Operation Cast Lead.

Eighty-five incidents have so far been reported to the Community Security Trust during the first two weeks of the year, with the previous single worst month being October 2000 at the start of the second intifada when there were 105. In 2006, 133 incidents were reported during Israel's 34-day war with Hezbollah.

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Since 29 December last year, a total of 101 incidents have been reported to the organisation, including threats against Jewish individuals or institutions, damage against or around communal property and abusive behaviour - the latter of which constituted more than half of the cases.

The bulk of the incidents, which included an attempted arson at Brondesbury Park Synagogue, were in Greater London (59) and Greater Manchester while a further eight related to social network websites.

"In recent days, we have watched with horror as a wave of anti-Semitic incidents has affected the Jewish community," said a cross-party statement initiated by the Chair and Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism, John Mann MP and Tim Boswell MP, along with Liberal Democrat Group member Tom Brake MP.

"It is easy to forget that even though the Jewish community has been well-established and assimilated in the UK for over 350 years, there is still a discernible sense of anxiety and vulnerability. We must all do everything we can to reassure every community that we will not tolerate attacks, abuse or hostility aimed towards Jews, Muslims or anyone else on the back of the ongoing situation in Gaza."

The statement, for which the trio of MPs now hope to attract support from fellow politicians, adds: "As the All-Party Parliamentary Group against Antisemitism, we will continue to pursue our aims and perform our duties. We are calling on all right minded and peace-loving people to join us in ensuring that the United Kingdom is a place where debate and protest are peaceful and lawful, and communities are free to live, practice and worship without fear or intimidation."

One of the most serious incidents occurred following pro and anti-Israel demonstrations close to the Israeli Embassy last Wednesday when a visibly Jewish man was attacked by two Asian male youths who punched and kicked him to the ground.

Further graffiti has also appeared in recent days at locations across the country, with a swastika daubed on a synagogue in Hertfordshire and another daubed on the pavement at the entrance of a shul in Manchester. "Kill Jews" was also daubed in Kensington, the area which houses the Israeli Embassy, while an answerphone message left at a communal institution in Manchester said: "The world is watching you f***ing murdering bastards."

The CST's Mark Gardner said: "This has been one of the worst waves of anti-Semitic incidents in decades and it is likely that January 2009 will be the worst single calendar month since CST records began in 1984. Yet again, we are seeing how overseas conflicts import anti-Semitism against British Jews. This is straightforward racism that must be condemned and opposed by all decent sectors of society and government.

"Furthermore, the extremism of recent anti-Israel demonstrations is an open invitation to anti-Semitism. The so called anti-war movement with its celebrity supporters repeatedly compares Israel to Nazi Germany, and incites support for Hamas: an openly anti-Semitic terrorist group that has in recent days called for attacks against Jews around the world."

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