Posted on 02/10/2005 10:38:08 AM PST by SJackson
The number of abusive or violent attacks on Jews in Britain reached record levels last year, new figures showed today.
There were a total of 532 “anti-Semitic incidents” – defined as malicious acts toward the Jewish community – in 2004, the Community Security Trust (CST) said.
This represented a 42% increase on the 375 anti-Semitic incidents recorded by the CST in 2003 and was also well in excess of the previous record of 405 in 2000.
Among the 532 incidents, were 83 physical attacks on Jews – up 54% on the previous year – four of which were life threatening.
The remainder were acts of abusive behaviour; name calling in the street, sending hate mail, or the desecration of property, such as the daubing of swastikas on synagogues.
There were also a record number of anti-Semitic threats.
A total of 100 of the incidents were recorded in March alone, the second highest monthly total since the CST began recording anti-Semitic acts in 1984.
Michael Whine, director of communications for the CST which monitors anti-Semitic attacks, said: “This increase is extremely alarming. The transfer of tensions in the Middle East to the streets of Britain has resulted in an unprecedented level of anti-Semitic incidents.”
The Leader of the House of Commons Peter Hain described the rise in anti-Semitic attacks “totally unacceptable”.
He told MPs in the Commons today that there were regular meetings between the Home Secretary and the President of the Board of Deputies and close collaboration between the police and the Jewish community.
“We have also strengthened the law against racism, including raising the maximum penalty for incitement to racial hatred,” he added.
“We wish to see these laws applied energetically to anybody practising anti-Semites of such horrific attacks.”
Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman said: “This timely but shocking report, showing the full extent and appalling rise of anti-Semitic attacks especially in London, is a wake-up call that we all should heed.
“The situation is completely unacceptable, and reinforces the need for both an effective police response and a shared commitment by the whole British and European community to stop it.”
The Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks said: “These figures give cause for concern.
“The single most important thing is for our community to enlist others to join in the protest against the attacks. Jews must not be left to fight anti-Semitism alone.”
Other religious leaders also expressed concern at the rise.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, the Archbishop of Westminster, said: “This is a disturbing trend.
“Anti-Semites is not acceptable. Catholics should stand together with their Jewish neighbours and friends in condemning it and combating it.”
Britain’s chief police officers said the CST figures were broadly in line with those recorded by police in 2004.
Rob Beckley, spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers on police and faith communities, said: “We believe that the similarity of figures now indicates that both organisations are becoming effective in identifying and recording anti-Semitism, rather than necessarily reflecting a sudden major rise across the country.
“However any anti-Semitic incidents are a matter of great concern to the police service.
“All hate crime is insidious and destructive and we are committed to taking positive action against those perpetrating such offences.”
The CST records malicious acts toward Jews by liaising closely with police, by collating press cuttings of all reported incidents and through members of the Jewish community directly. Its figures were presented to the Home Office earlier this week.
i wish the article would give a heads-up on the reason for the surge in these incidents.
the elephant turd in the living room is (ahem) the muslim population in the UK.
All racist incidents have risen in the UK amongst all races.
For the Jews I would speculate it would be disscontent Muslims youths. Mind you if someone sneezes over here then it counts as a racist incident. So God knows how many of these are real attacks.
I'd like to see up to date data and details for France. I'm sure it is much worse.
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