LONDON (FN), British Jews say they are facing a surge in antisemitic abuse, describing incidents of being spat at, threatened, and even kidnapped, as community leaders warn hostility has escalated into a “state of siege.”
The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in the UK, reported that incidents have reached record highs, with abuse shifting from online vitriol to physical threats and attacks. Victims told the BBC’s Panorama program that they endure daily harassment, including assaults on public transport and arson attempts targeting Jewish homes and businesses.
Antisemitism has long been a concern in Britain, but recent years have seen sharp increases, particularly during periods of heightened tension in the Middle East. A Union of Jewish Students poll found nearly a quarter of Jewish students had witnessed antisemitic targeting, while almost half reported hearing justifications for violent attacks. Analysts say the current wave is broader and more entrenched, with hostility spilling into everyday life.
Similar surges have been reported elsewhere in Europe. France and Germany have both heightened security around synagogues and schools after spikes in antisemitic attacks, while the Anti-Defamation League in the United States recorded record-high incidents in 2025. Experts warn that unchecked antisemitism threatens social cohesion across Western democracies.
Jewish organizations in Britain, including the Jewish Leadership Council and the Board of Deputies, condemned the rise in attacks and urged stronger government action. Several Members of Parliament have called for tougher sentencing for hate crimes and increased funding for community security. Human rights groups echoed those concerns, warning that antisemitism is becoming normalized in public discourse.
The issue has sparked widespread debate online. On Twitter/X, hashtags such as #StopAntisemitism and #JewishSafety trended, with users sharing personal accounts of abuse and demanding accountability. On Facebook, community groups posted solidarity messages, while others criticized government inaction. Many Jewish families expressed fear that conditions could worsen, with some considering emigration.
The growing alarm underscores the urgency of addressing antisemitism in Britain, where Jewish communities say they no longer feel safe in their own neighborhoods.
