Antisemitic incidents are still hovering near record highs, with more than 100 incidents of antisemitism recorded for each of the first six months of this year, the latest figures from the Community Security Trust show.

The statistics, published on Thursday, revealed a decrease of eight per cent in incidents of Jew-hate in the UK compared to the same period in 2017, but at 727 incidents, the January to June 2018 figure is still the second highest figure ever recorded for the period, second only to last year, when 786 incidents were recorded.

May saw 160 antisemitic incidents, the fourth highest monthly total ever recorded. Of the 727 incidents, 59 were categorised as assault, 53 as threats, 43 involving damage or desecration and 544 examples of abusive behaviour.

There were also 28 incidents of mass-produced or mass-mailed Jew-hate literature.

Targets included 36 synagogues, 57 Jewish communal organisations, communal events or commercial premises, and 118 visibly Jewish individuals.

Three quarters of the incidents were recorded in Greater London and Greater Manchester, where the UK’s two largest Jewish communities are based.

Additional incidents were recorded in places including Hertfordshire, Gateshead, Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham and Liverpool.
There were more than 200 incidents which included mentions of Hitler, Nazis, swastikas and other far-right discourse. More than 110 mentioned Israel or the Middle East, while 51 explicitly used the word “Zionist” or “Zionism” as a term of antisemitic abuse.

There were 34 incidents which included explicit references to the Labour Party, which has been grappling with the issue of antisemitism.
A further 340 potential incidents were reported to CST, but, on investigation, appeared not to show evidence of antisemitic motivation or targeting.

CST chief executive David Delew said: “Any fall in antisemitism is welcome, but these are the second worst figures ever and continue a trend that has now lasted for over two years.

“This antisemitism is not a random event, it reflects the state of British politics and wider society. Each month we are seeing over 100 antisemitic incidents and many more go unreported. We will keep working with all of our partners inside and outside the Jewish community to do all we can against antisemitism.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, the National Police Chiefs’ Council hate crime lead, said officers were “grateful to CST for the depth of work that goes into preparing these reports and also for the work its staff and volunteers do. 

“We know that all strands of hate crime are under reported and trusted charities, such as CST, provide a valuable alternative option for those victims who do not wish to report direct to the police.

“No one should have to face antisemitic hate crime and I would encourage anyone who does to report it, either to the CST or to the police by dialling 101 or online at www.report-it.org.uk.”

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:

“Any incident of antisemitism is a threat to our society. Today’s CST report reminds us why the Holocaust Educational Trust’s mission to teach about the lessons of the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance remains important. We must continue to educate about where antisemitism, hatred and prejudice can ultimately lead.”