Antisemitism at “all-time high” as Jewish communities see “explosion of hate”
Rabbis across Dorset are “not surprised” to hear antisemitism is at all-time high following the war in Gaza
Jewish people in Dorset have experienced more antisemitism than ever before as incidents reached an all-time high in 2023.
Research by a Jewish charity found that more than 4,000 antisemitic incidents were recorded across England last year, almost double the previous record in 2021.
The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism and provides security for the Jewish community in Britain, described the “explosion in hatred” against the Jewish community as “an absolute disgrace”.
A Rabbi in Bournemouth told us he was “sickened” by the level of abuse Jewish people were receiving but “not surprised” that antisemitic acts had risen.
Rabbi Maurice Michaels of Bournemouth Reform Synagogue said: “Whether it's hatred of Jews as a people or hatred of Jews as a religion, it doesn't seem to matter and what is scary at the moment is that it seems to be an accepted part of society and the way certain people behave.”
According to the study, antisemitism grew exponentially following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and continued to grow following the subsequent war in Gaza.
Of the 4103 instances of anti-Jewish hate reported, 2699 (66%) occurred on or after 7 October.
This figure alone exceeds any previous annual antisemitic incident total recorded by CST, and marks a rise of 589% from the 392 instances of antisemitism reported to CST over the same time period in 2022.
Across the UK, swastikas and ‘Free Palestine’ have been graffitied in Jewish communities, Palestinian flags hung on synagogues, Jews have experienced both verbal and physical abuse and posters of those kidnapped by Hamas have been torn down.
Rabbi Michaels said: “It's really quite sickening to think that people can be so hateful.
“The decision was taken very early on that we would not create further conflict and difficulties for the police.
“What of course this does mean is that there are now ‘no go’ areas for Jewish people and it's shocking that this is the case in 2024, that there are places where Jews feel frightened of going.”
Among its findings, the CST noted a “worrying proportion of children perpetrating antisemitism”, with almost a fifth of incidents recorded where the offender or offenders’ approximate age was under 18.
Home Secretary James Cleverly MP described the rise in antisemitism in recent months as “utterly deplorable” and said he “will do everything in my power” to ensure the Jewish community is safe and feels safe.
CST chief executive Mark Gardner said: “British Jews are strong and resilient, but the explosion in hatred against our community is an absolute disgrace.
“It occurs in schools, universities, workplaces, on the streets and all over social media.”