The government’s new counter-extremism plan will aid Jews if delivered effectively
Whilst there is disagreement between many British Jews and the government on foreign policy, on a domestic level their determination to protect our community is encouraging
In a piece for Jewish News earlier this year, I articulated how “moral clarity and not platitudes will keep British Jews safe”. This conviction has been at the heart of our engagement following the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attack against Heaton Park, the Bondi Beach atrocity and unprecedented challenges encountered by Jews around the world.
Post 7 October 2023, the severe level of antisemitism has understandably shaken the confidence of Jewish communities across the globe. Our Chief Executive, Marc Levy, spoke at a recent conference in front of 250 international Jewish communal leaders and he heard directly how other communities are facing the same pressures as Jews living in the UK. We have demanded from government a new plan to deal with the unique threat currently engulfing our community. It formed the basis of conversations with Downing Street and the Cabinet, along with backbench MPs. What we have received is a detailed plan that names and addresses the issues we have repeatedly raised.
Whilst it is obvious that there is significant disagreement between the majority of British Jews and the government on their foreign policy, it has become clear on a domestic level we can rely upon their determination to protect our community. The plan that has been published is called Protecting What Matters and the content is impressive. Many of the components have been referenced in my previous opinion pieces and I am delighted that the strategy names the problem with the moral clarity I demanded. The backdrop matters as we continue to grapple with a changing world and that we are having to endure an unprecedentedly difficult period. However, on paper this is a serious piece of work and if implemented swiftly and effectively, government should be commended.
The strategy is built around three pillars highlighting the depth and gravity of the challenge. Government is looking to build confident, cohesive and resilient communities and the framework is excellent. However, frameworks do not keep Jewish people safe or prevent a young person being radicalised to commit a terrorist attack.
We support Sir David Bell’s review on antisemitism in our schools and universities. It is telling that the UAE are not prepared to send their young people on scholarships to our universities for fear of radicalisation, yet they have no objections to study taking place in Israel. We require universities to exhibit courage and confront those who are spreading hatred on campuses. It is also the case that every Jewish parent dropping their children off at fortresses so they can attend school could already write the report. Schoolchildren are hiding their identity on the way to and from school and many teachers and students who are educated outside of our structures have faced overt antisemitism and prejudice. When the report is published we need government to act decisively, as policy documents will not be enough to reassure young Jews who are having to navigate these generational problems.
It is the same with the appalling stories emanating from the NHS where Jewish patients and staff have been targeted merely because of their faith. We await sight of Lord Mann’s imminent report on this matter and expect that all recommendations are immediately implemented.
We have been public in our demand that visas are withdrawn from extremist preachers. The plans seek to expand the visa taskforce speaks directly to our experience. We have seen what happens when those who espouse hatred are given platforms in this country. This effectively leads to a radicalisation pipeline operating in plain sight at times in our countries most prominent venues. So far, we have had to be reactive and raise these issues but it is pleasing that government will now be proactive. The Home Secretary has the political will and the trust of our community to rigidly enforce the new criteria.
The strengthening of the Charity Commission has been another demand as the organisation’s track record has been beyond disappointing. New powers are only as effective as the operation wielding them but I have been pleased that they have proactively reached out to the JRC without us making a report based on our public statements and media appearances. This is already a vast improvement from their previous posture.
The online dimension is where there is the greatest urgency. The plan is right that algorithms are radicalising people and platforms have not taken anywhere near enough action to exclude problematic material from their sites. The torrent of antisemitic abuse, incitement, tropes and conspiracy theories on mainstream platforms is frightening.
Then there is the point that we keep on reiterating, including to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, on the visit we organised to Heaton Park Synagogue where she announced further record security funding. Whilst we appreciate this support from government and the funds are urgently required, we cannot go on simply building higher walls and installing more cameras. This is a response to hatred that has already taken root, so we must find a way to enhance British values and stop individuals feeling emboldened to target Jews. In that regard it is still disappointing that we have not managed to secure any meaningful engagement with the Greater Manchester Muslim communal leadership. To move forward, we need to prioritise meaningful and effective dialogue with a focus on stopping foreign conflicts being imported onto our streets resulting in Jews being targeted in terrorist attacks.
As an individual who served as High Sheriff in Greater Manchester, I remain optimistic. We have deep roots in the city and I am more determined than ever that we will not retreat from public life or diminish our contribution to a place we love. Optimism needs to be grounded in evidence and whilst the report is excellent in its ambitions, we need tangible and quick results to provide the reassurance we deserve. That means being able to live our lives not because we have walls around us but because society is genuinely welcoming to Jewish people. That is why it is important this plan is delivered so that we can protect what matters.
Mark Adlestone OBE is Chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region
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