The Community Security Trust (CST) has reported a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the United Kingdom since Israel’s assault on Gaza in response to a Hamas-led attack in October 2023. The charity recorded 5,583 cases of abusive behavior in the country from October 2023 to September 2024, the highest tally in any 12-month period since it began keeping track in 1984.
During the month of October 2023 alone, there were 1,400 anti-Semitic incidents reported following the conflict between Israel and Hamas. CST stated that anti-Semitism had increased by 204 percent compared to the previous year, attributing this surge to people directing their anger over the conflict towards British Jews.
The incidents of abuse included assaults, damage to property, and distribution of anti-Semitic literature. London had the highest number of reported incidents, with 3,167 cases, followed by Manchester and West Yorkshire. The report also highlighted a spike in Islamophobia and hate crimes against Muslims in the UK in recent years.
The rise in anti-Semitic incidents is part of a larger trend of hate crimes in Britain, with incidents of anti-immigrant violence and attacks on asylum seekers also being reported in various towns and cities. CST emphasized the need for continued monitoring and vigilance to address and combat all forms of hatred and discrimination within society.
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