In the 1930s, a law was passed to limit the admission rate of Jewish children to state schools, capping the number of Jewish students at 5% of the total student population. This was due to a massive influx of Jews from Russia and other countries, fleeing pogroms and discrimination, and settling in London's East End. In recent times, patrols have been set up in Golders Green, Hendon and other Jewish areas to help ease community concerns. The Labour Party has been accused of facilitating anti-Semitism or even being anti-Semitic itself. However, there has been a decrease in hate speech online, which may be attributed to a decrease in Labour-related incidents.
The Community Security Trust (CST) reported that there had been an increase in anti-Semitic criticism on the internet from people who believed that accusations of anti-Semitism against former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn were fabricated by the wider Jewish community. Despite this, the Jewish community in Britain enjoyed widespread acceptance during the second half of the 20th century, although anti-Semitic sentiment persisted among British fascist and far-right groups. In the 21st century, while anti-Semitism is among the lowest in the world, there has been an increase in anti-Semitic expression on social media and in relation to Israel. Anti-Semitism is more prevalent among British Muslims, while anti-Zionism is associated with Muslims and the political left. The CST provides security support and monitors reports of anti-Semitic incidents.
This should give us a better understanding of current anti-Semitism, provide context for CST data, reveal trends over time and place, sex, denomination and other factors, and compare the situation in Britain with other European countries. Non-religious Jews who don't live in predominantly Jewish areas or send their children to Jewish schools may be less anxious. One Jew living in London said that during times of volatility he has felt a sense of unity as Jews around the world come together, adding that he has also had support from non-Jews. The CST recorded 2,255 incidents last year, including 173 violent assaults. 78 incidents were related to COVID-19: from conspiracy theories about Jewish involvement in creating and spreading the virus to desires for Jews to contract it and die. Similarly, an emerging fascist movement in the 1930s which launched anti-Semitic campaigns was accompanied by government policies aimed at restricting Jewish refugees from Nazi-controlled territories. The Ministry of Interior has awarded a “Jewish community protection and security grant” to ensure safety at synagogues, schools and other Jewish centers.
The CST has received this grant.
