Jewish families in London are increasingly considering leaving the United Kingdom as anti-Semitic abuse and violence continue to rise. In the city's north-west, vibrant Jewish communities that have flourished for over a century now face a troubling uptick in attacks on people, buildings, and vehicles linked to the Jewish faith.
Community Leaders Voice Concerns
Ruth Topper, Chair of Kenton United Synagogue, expressed her fears to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). 'I've got grand-kids that go to Jewish schools and you just want to know they come home every day and they're safe. I worry more about that now,' she said. 'I have always been happy in the UK, never had a problem, but now I'm thinking 'is it right for my family to stay here?' Lots and lots of families are saying the same thing.'
Recent Attacks Heighten Anxiety
On April 19, a bottle containing an accelerant was thrown through the window of the synagogue on Shaftesbury Avenue in Kenton, causing minor smoke damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident added to a series of anti-Semitic acts across London. Ruth noted that attendance at the synagogue increased immediately after the attack, as worried congregants sought community and reassurance. 'They are apprehensive and worried but they do feel it's important that they do come to the synagogue even though they are worried,' she said.
A Changing Britain
Ruth, who moved to Kenton 47 years ago, said anti-Semitism has become 'more overt of late.' She believes Pro-Palestinian marches have emboldened some individuals to express anti-Semitic views openly. These marches have been a regular occurrence in London since Israel's military response to the October 7, 2022, Hamas attacks, necessitating additional security at synagogues and Jewish schools.
'I've lived here for 47 years and we've always had security guards. It is sad and it shouldn't have to happen but now it's even more noticeable. We have external security guards which we have had basically since October 7 and now we have two rather than one. It's ridiculous,' Ruth said.
Calls for Increased Funding and Police Presence
London Assembly Member for Harrow and Brent, Krupesh Hirani, has been urging the Government to provide additional funds for police to support Jewish and other minority communities in North West London. Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, confirmed that MOPAC (the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime) has supported the Metropolitan Police's bid for £33 million over three years to fund dedicated police protection for Jewish communities.
The Met recently established a new 100-officer Community Protection Team following a series of anti-Semitic attacks, including the attempted arson at Kenton United Synagogue. However, many of these officers are being drawn from existing neighbourhood policing teams. Mr. Hirani and Assembly Member for Camden, Anne Clarke, are calling on the Government to approve sustainable funding so that these officers are additional, rather than diverted from local policing.
'I'm pleased the Mayor of London, the Deputy Mayor and MOPAC are actively seeking long-term funding to protect communities in North West London. The Government must urgently approve this funding so emerging threats can be tackled whilst also maintaining a strong neighbourhood policing presence in Barnet, Brent and Harrow,' Mr. Hirani said.
Need for Root-Cause Solutions
While Ruth praised the police response following the Kenton incident, she emphasized the need to address the root causes of rising anti-Semitism. 'More police presence definitely helps, no question of that, and the Government has been giving us grants to help improve the security of the building and that's great. But I think it's getting down to the root cause and that's what worries me,' she said.
She advocates for better education to foster understanding and tolerance. 'Jewish people are normal; we don't have horns on our head. We need an education to teach everybody, whatever their religion, that it's fine to have a different belief. You don't target someone because they have a different religion. Politicians pay a lot of lip service to what should be done but don't actually do anything about it. Something should be done about the marches.'
Broader Impact on the Community
In related incidents, bins were set alight outside a communal block in Barnet, and a Jewish business was also targeted there. In Golders Green, attacks on a series of Hatzola ambulances operated by the Jewish community on March 23 have since led to five people being charged.
Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes commented: 'For Jewish communities, this feeling of concern is sadly not new; and we appreciate and recognise the continued impact on them as they try to live peacefully and without fear. London is better than this. We should all be standing with our neighbours, and we need vigilance from every community in support of those who are being targeted. It means all communities speaking out against this anti-Semitism and intimidation, as well as people providing information to police that will help us tackle crime and deter terrorism.'
