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CST records sharp rise in antisemitism for first half of 2026
The period saw a record number of antisemitic assaults and incidents of online Jew hate
CST has recorded 1,926 incidents of Jew-hate for the first half of 2026, its second highest total since records began, and a 21 percent increase from the same period last year.
The security charity, which today released its Antisemitic Incident Report for January-June 2026, recorded a sharp rise in hate aimed at the Jewish community in the immediate aftermath of the outbreak of the war with Iran. The period saw a number of serious attacks on the Jewish community, including the Golders Green stabbing in late April and a series of arson attacks on Jewish organisations and Synagogues which were claimed by an Iranian-regime linked terror organisation. That group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI), has since been proscribed by the UK Government
CST also noted a surge in antisemitic incidents in the weeks following the attempted arson attacks, describing how “as observed in previous years, high-profile assaults on the Jewish community can inspire more antisemitic acts from those who are emboldened and excited by seeing such hatred.” In particular, the highest daily antisemitism totals came directly after the Golders Green stabbing attack, where two visibly Jewish men were targeted. CST described how it recorded 71 incidents in the three days following the stabbing, “16 of which directly referenced the attack. Some incidents celebrated the violence and called for further injuries to Jewish people, or used the incident to promote antisemitic conspiracy theories and anti-Jewish abuse.”
Of the almost-2000 incidents, 135 were cases of antisemitic assaults – an increase of 82% from the first half of 2025 and the highest ever six-month total in this category. The majority of incidents in the first half of the year involved Abusive Behaviour, with 1,572 cases recorded, accounting for 82% of the total. The number of online antisemitic incidents was the highest January-June total ever recorded, at 679.
Other new half-year record highs included antisemitic incidents affecting the school sector, which rose sharply, increasing by 59% from 112 incidents in the first half of 2025 to 178 in the first half of 2026. Similarly, incidents affecting synagogues, their staff and congregants rose by 31%, reaching the highest level ever recorded for the first six months of any year. CST has been recording antisemitic incidents and their levels since 1984.
The majority of such incidents took place in Greater London (994) and Greater Manchester (222), the two areas of the country with the largest Jewish populations. Other places with high numbers included Scotland (76), Hertfordshire (73) and West Yorkshire (64)
Mark Gardner, CST’s chief executive, said: “These attacks are directed against British Jews but they are also attacks on Britain and our society. These attacks should concern everyone who cares about Britain and the threats against it, whether state-directed from Iran, or internally driven by Islamist, far Right, far Left, or other ideological extremes.”
Sarah Jones, Minister for Policing and Crime, said: “Behind these appalling numbers are people living in fear just for being who they are. Antisemitism goes against our country’s values and I will do everything in my power to protect our Jewish communities. We are investing a record £250 million to boost policing in Jewish neighbourhoods. I am also proud to work hand in hand with the CST to protect synagogues, Jewish schools and community centres. We must never stop fighting to rid society of this evil.”
The Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, Shadow Home Secretary, said: “Hatred has flourish unchecked on Britain’s streets, campuses and communities. Thousands of Jewish families living in fear in their own country, and it is completely unacceptable. Antisemitism has no place in Britain and real action needs to be taken to stamp it out.
“This is a national emergency. We need to increase police presence, have urgent prosecutions, put a moratorium on marches, implement maximum sentencing and deterrence, conduct a comprehensive audit of counter-terrorism cases involving antisemitic motivation, and deport foreigners who express antisemitic views or support for violence or terrorism.”
HM Government’s Independent Advisor on Antisemitism, Lord Mann, said: “The latest figures from CST demonstrate that anti-Jewish racism in the UK remains at all all-time high and continues to pose a significant threat to our democracy. It is especially concerning to see the nature of antisemitism in the UK becoming increasingly violent, from the stabbing of two British Jews in Golders Green, to a series of arson attacks against synagogues and Jewish-linked properties.
“I would like to thank CST and the police for their relentless efforts to protect the British Jewish community, and I will continue to work alongside them to ensure zero tolerance for anti-Jewish hatred in this country.”
A JLC spokesperson said “In the first half of 2026, our community faced suspected hostile reconnaissance by Iranian intelligence, a series of arson attacks targeting synagogues and Jewish charities, and a terrorist attack in which two visibly Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green.
“Against that backdrop, the figures outlined in CST’s antisemitic incidents report for January to June 2026 are no surprise. Jews continue to face intolerable levels of hatred in our country and that should shame us.
“The Prime Minister has pledged a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism. We welcome that commitment, but those words must be matched by action.
“The government’s record investment into security for Jewish schools, synagogues and communal buildings is both welcome and necessary. But it is also an indictment of modern Britain that such protection is required at all. These measures can only mitigate the consequences of antisemitism. They cannot address its causes.
“We remain deeply grateful to CST for their essential work in monitoring antisemitism, supporting victims and keeping our community safe.”
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