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Antisemitism more than doubled in past 12 months, says CST

Highest ever-year total of incidents reported by the Jewish security charity

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During one incident reported to the CST in April, a man climbed the wall of a synagogue in the south of England late at night, picked up a plant pot and threw it at the building, smashing two stained glass windows. (CST)

The last year has seen a record-high number of antisemitic incidents reported to the Community Security Trust, a new report released today revealed.

CST found that there has been a 204 per cent rise in incidents year in the year since October 7.

The charity reported an immediate surge in antisemitic incidents in the UK after Hamas launched its deadly attack on southern Israel in October.

Between October 7 and September 30, the CST recorded 5,583 antisemitic incidents in the UK, the highest total ever recorded by the charity in any 12-month period.

In the previous year, CST recorded 1,830 antisemitic incidents, meaning that October 7 and its aftermath prompted antisemitic incidents to more than double in the UK.

CST noted that this hike began immediately after the Hamas attack, with over 1,400 incidents reported in October alone. Many of these were before Israel’s military retaliation.

Over 200 incidents have been reported every month since October, with November being the second-highest month total.

Most of the incidents related to abusive behaviour (4,583 incidents). Reports detailing assault amounted to 302 incidents, threats made up 401 of the incidents, and damage and desecration made up 266 of the incidents.

One of the incidents was a report of extreme violence.

Antisemitism was reported across the UK, but most incidents occurred in London (3167), and Greater Manchester (729), areas of the UK with the highest number of Jewish residents.

The latest report released by CST ahead of Rosh Hashanah comes as the charity issued a security notice to the UK Jewish community in response to heightened tensions from the ongoing Middle East conflict following the recent escalation between Israel, Iran and the Iranian proxy, Hezbollah.

As the High Holy Days and the anniversary of October 7 approaches, CST emphasised the need for strict adherence to security protocols in communal buildings, citing an increased risk of antisemitic incidents and extremist demonstrations.

Hezbollah and Iran have historical involvement in terrorist activities targeting Jewish communities worldwide.

"This warning comes at a time of intensified antisemitic and extremist activity in the UK, which our community has faced with resilience," CST stated.

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