In our March 2015 print issue we featured a report by the Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security advice for Britain’s Jewish community and monitors antisemitism. CST in its latest annual study said the number of incidents had more than doubled to 1,168 in 2014. It is the highest figure since the trust began monitoring in 1984. Antisemitic reactions to the conflict in Israel and Gaza were a factor behind the rise, the CST said.
The anti-football-racism body Kick It Out last year published statistics on the level of reports of discrimination sent to the organisation for the 2013/14 season. They showed that faith-based abuse – with antisemitism making up all but one complaint – was the second most common form of discrimination reported to Kick It Out with 58 incidents in total.
Lord Herman Ouseley, Chair of Kick It Out, said: “These statistics from the CST are appalling, but not surprising, as we have seen complacency among our rulers, communicators, educators and decision-makers when it comes to taking a zero-tolerance approach towards all forms of prejudice and hatred. As a society we clearly need to do more to counter prejudice, bigotry and ignorance in Britain. Although much is being done to raise awareness about the Holocaust memorial and education, there are increasing levels of antisemitic views and abuse which are being overlooked and enabling perpetrators to feel empowered to do what they like, as they feel that they can get away with it.
“Kick It Out supports the fantastic work of the CST and will collaborate with organisations looking to rid British society of all forms of prejudice which dehumanises others and denies them the right to live, work and rest without the fear of harassment, abuse and violence.”
Social media is also being used to spread antisemitic messages, or graffiti on the homes of Jewish people. Several cemeteries have been desecrated.
