British Jews Report Feeling 'Under Siege' Amid Escalating Antisemitism
British Jews are expressing a profound sense of being 'under siege' as antisemitism surges in the years following the October 7 attacks, with community leaders highlighting widespread fears about children displaying religious symbols in public. This alarming sentiment has been underscored by a series of attempted arson attacks targeting Jewish sites across the UK over the past week, including incidents at two synagogues in London and a building used by the charity Jewish Futures. In a particularly distressing event, four Jewish community ambulances were set ablaze in north London in the early hours of March 23.
Daily Life Transformed by Fear and Precautions
Parents are now taking extraordinary precautions, such as picking children up from stations instead of allowing drop-offs at nurseries and schools, and selecting universities based on safety considerations rather than academic fit. Many individuals are avoiding wearing religious or Hebrew symbols, and there is heightened hesitation before attending large Jewish gatherings. Rabbi Charley Baginsky, a co-chair of Progressive Judaism, encapsulated this shift, stating, "Suddenly you look back and realise how much our lives have changed." She no longer permits her children to wear clothing with Hebrew lettering in public, whether for trips to central London or simple walks, reflecting a new layer of vigilance in everyday activities.
Emigration to Israel Reaches a Four-Decade High
This increased fear within the Jewish community coincides with new data from the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR), revealing that 742 people emigrated from the UK to Israel in 2025—the highest annual total in over 40 years. However, the organisation cautioned that this does not constitute an 'exodus,' noting the stability of migration patterns over two decades. Dr Jonathan Boyd, JPR's executive director, explained that since the Hamas attacks in October 2023, more British Jews are reassessing their future in the UK due to rising antisemitism, recurring shocks, and a growing sense of conditional security, which is reshaping perceptions of belonging and long-term viability.
Sharp Rise in Antisemitic Incidents Across the UK
Research by the Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security and support to Jewish communities, indicates a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the UK since the October 7 attacks and Israel's war in Gaza. The CST identified 3,700 incidents in 2025, with the deadliest being the October 2025 terrorist attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, resulting in two fatalities and three serious injuries. Rabbi Baginsky emphasised that these attacks should not be viewed solely as a Jewish issue, asserting, "This is a British problem. Let's start talking about what is happening in society. Places of worship and people of faith are not safe."
Government Response and Community Calls for Action
Downing Street has condemned the attacks and pledged to introduce measures to protect the Jewish community. Keir Starmer's official spokesperson affirmed the prime minister's commitment, stating, "He stands with the Jewish community, and he's determined to do more to give them the security they deserve, and that is why we're providing record levels of protective security funding as well as decisive steps to counter extremism and root out antisemitism across public life." Despite this, community figures like Raphi Bloom, a member of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester, feel that government action has been too slow, leaving many feeling under siege. Bloom shared a personal anecdote about removing his Star of David necklace during a doctor's appointment due to fears of bias, illustrating the pervasive anxiety.
Dave Rich, director of policy at CST, acknowledged a substantial police response to the arson attacks and long-term policy efforts by the government to address rising antisemitism. He noted, "It's taken a while, and I think a lot of people in the Jewish community would probably say it's taken too long to get here, but I think we are now in a situation where these policies to tackle the deeper underlying causes are starting to gather momentum." As the Jewish community navigates these challenges, the call for stronger allyship and effective action remains urgent to ensure safety and security for all.
