A growing sense of insecurity is prompting increasing numbers of British Jews to consider leaving the United Kingdom, fueled by a surge in antisemitism following the Hamas attacks on Israel on . Reports of hate crimes, intimidation, and a perceived lack of adequate protection are contributing to a climate of fear within the community.
Recent polling data reveals the depth of the concern. According to the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAAS), , 61% of British Jews have contemplated emigration in the past two years, a significant increase from 50% the previous year. A majority of those considering leaving cite the rise in antisemitism since as the primary reason, with almost half also pointing to broader societal prejudice and antisemitism within political parties.
The manifestations of this antisemitism are varied and increasingly overt. Incidents range from vandalism targeting Jewish businesses and synagogues to direct threats and harassment of individuals. Reports include fake price tags placed on kosher products in supermarkets, falsely linking their purchase to support for genocide, and the appearance of antisemitic graffiti, including swastikas, on private property. One incident involved blood smeared on a door and an Israeli flag, alongside the German word for Jew, “Jude,” written on a door.
The atmosphere of fear extends to public spaces. Individuals wearing visible Jewish symbols, such as a kippah, have reported feeling unsafe, and some are now coordinating security escorts when traveling to and from university campuses. The streets of London have seen regular pro-Palestinian demonstrations, some of which have included overtly antisemitic chants and symbols, including flags of designated terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. These demonstrations, which began shortly after the attacks, continue to be a source of anxiety for the Jewish community.
The concerns are not limited to physical safety. There are reports of a hostile environment within educational institutions, with Jewish students facing intimidation and discrimination. One student at King’s College London reported being targeted in a group chat with threats and antisemitic abuse after identifying herself as Jewish. When she reported the incident to a college official, she says she was told to “try to understand why they’re treating you this way.”
Gideon Falter, leader of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, described a situation where extremist groups – from the far-right, far-left, and Islamist ideologies – are stirring up hatred. He also expressed concern over what he perceives as a failure by authorities to adequately address the issue, or, when acting, doing so in a way that appeases extremists. He specifically cited the presence and operation within the UK of groups such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Houthis.
The situation has prompted some to consider seeking refuge elsewhere. While the United States has not formally offered asylum to British Jews, Falter noted that such an offer would likely be met with significant interest. David Collier, a Jewish journalist who receives regular death threats for his reporting on antisemitism, stated he would “take a suitcase” if offered asylum in the U.S.
The United Arab Emirates has expressed concerns about the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood within British universities, to the point of halting funding for its students to study in the UK, fearing radicalization. This highlights a broader concern about the potential for extremist ideologies to take root within the British education system.
The government has taken some steps to address the crisis, including £10 million in new funding for communal security, £7 million to tackle antisemitism in schools, measures to challenge antisemitism within the National Health Service (NHS), and new powers for police to address anti-Israel demonstrations. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to “tear antisemitism out by its roots” in British society, echoing his previous efforts within the Labour Party. However, polling suggests that a significant portion of the Jewish community does not believe the government is doing enough.
As of , the Community Security Trust (CST) has recorded over 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the UK last year, a substantial increase from the previous record of 2,261 in 2021. The CST received £54 million in additional funding from the government to bolster security measures. Despite these efforts, many within the Jewish community are losing hope and contemplating a future outside of the UK, with some actively considering a return to Zion, or Israel, as a safe haven.
