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Met Police reports huge rise in reports of antisemitic hate crimes in last week
The police said they would be stepping up presence at synagogues and schools in the coming days
October 13, 2023 13:56
The police said they would be stepping up presence at synagogues and schools in the coming days
October 13, 2023 13:56The Metropolitan Police has recorded a nearly 10-fold increase in antisemitic hate crimes reported in the capital this week, compared to the same time last year.
According to the London police force, this week has seen 105 incidents of antisemitism and 75 criminal offences compared to 14 incidents and 12 offences in the same period in 2022.
At a press conference earlier today, the Met said that offences included intimidation outside synagogues, German military songs being played as well as behaviour they called "thoroughly offensive" including Jews being confronted by protestors and taunted about events in Israel.
Police also said that there was a small increase in Islamophobic incidents but that it was “nothing like" the increase in antisemitism.
Yesterday, Rishi Sunak pledged an additional £3m of funding for Jewish security group CST. A statement from the PM said: "The money will enable the CST to place additional guards in schools it supports throughout each school’s operating hours. They will also be able to place additional security staff at outside synagogues on Friday nights and Saturday mornings."
The news comes as several Jewish schools in North London closed their doors today citing feelings on unease in the capital. Esther Pearlman, the head of Menorah High School for Girls, which was closed today, reportedly told parents today: “Please be aware that this difficult decision has been reached because the [sic] of the risk of violence on the streets.
“The police are concerned that as the girls are not in school, they will venture outdoors and have asked us to advise you that it is incumbent on you as parents that your children remain indoors."
The Met's Deputy Commissioner for the Jewish community Dame Lynne Owens said in an open letter: "Working with community leaders and the Community Security Trust, we are increasing our presence at schools and synagogues and in communities. Our neighbourhood policing teams and dedicated schools officers will be there to provide assurance and support, but also to investigate and prosecute any instances of antisemitic hate or harassment."
She added: "I have heard the strength of feeling from many of you in the Jewish community. Our officers hear it too. We will act swiftly where people break the law and we will do everything in our power to protect you and to make you feel safe."