British Jews targeted online and off amid escalating Mideast conflict
Community Security Trust says it has received increased reports of anti-Jewish hate in the UK amid fighting in the Middle East.
There has been a rise of antisemitic incidents in the UK following the latest outbreak of Israel-Palestine violence, according to a leading communal organisation.
Community Security Trust said it had received a small increase in reports of street incidents, but a considerable increase in online abuse.
It added its fear that such incidents could yet worsen, citing the potential for incitement on social media.
CST chief executive, Mark Gardner, told the Jewish News: “There has been a steadily rising number of reported antisemitic incidents on the streets, but online activity is worsening considerably.
“This follows the pattern of previous Middle East conflicts and has the potential to get much worse, depending upon overseas events, and local incitement at demonstrations and on social media.
“We are fully monitoring this very volatile situation and urge the community to report antisemitism or suspicious behaviour to CST, but to call 999 in an emergency.”
CST had earlier this week put the community on alert urging communal organisations to follow security advice, including locking gates and reporting anyone conducting “hostile reconnaissance” near communal buildings.
The news comes as prime minister Boris Johnson this morning urged Israel and Palestinians to “step back from the brink”, saying the UK was deeply concerned by growing violence and civilian casualties.
The intervention came after hundreds of rockets were fired from Gaza while Israeli forces bombarded the territory with air strikes in the most serious fighting since the 50-day war in 2014.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
