The survey also found that social integration was a determinant in differences in attitudes to Jews.
Less-integrated ‘bonders’ (black people who say at least half, most, or all of their close friends are black) were found more likely than ‘bridgers’ (black people who say only a few or none of their close friends are black) to think that Jewish people have a disproportionately high control of the global banking system (25 per cent against 16 per cent) and the global entertainment and music industry (21 per cent against eight per cent).
Rakib Ehsan, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, which commissioned the survey, said the results were “striking”. He added: “The unfortunate reality is that British antisemitism is more prevalent in specific racial and religious minorities – especially their less-integrated elements.
“This of course poses a problem for the British left, in that levels of antisemitism are relatively high within social groups which traditionally provide steadfast electoral support to the Labour Party – including Jeremy Corbyn’s period as leader. Will the new party leadership, spearheaded by Sir Keir Starmer, have the courage to confront antisemitic beliefs in Labour-voting minority communities?
In light of these findings, he added, “The UK government must work with local authorities to re-strengthen community cohesion plans which help to foster bonds of social trust and mutual respect between different groups. This in itself should be designed to reduce prejudices – including those of an antisemitic nature.”
Dr Ehsan said it was “crucial” that black British and Muslim organisations did not remain in their “comfort zone” and only combat anti-black and anti-Muslim bigotry.
“This is the essence of anti-discrimination activism – fighting bigotry on your own doorstep,” he said.
