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UK anti-Semitism hit record level in 2014, report says | UK anti-Semitism hit record level in 2014, report says |
(about 5 hours later) | |
Anti-Semitic incidents reached a record level in the UK last year, according to the Community Security Trust. | Anti-Semitic incidents reached a record level in the UK last year, according to the Community Security Trust. |
A report by the trust, which provides security for Britain's Jewish community and monitors anti-Semitism, said the number of incidents had more than doubled to 1,168 in 2014. | A report by the trust, which provides security for Britain's Jewish community and monitors anti-Semitism, said the number of incidents had more than doubled to 1,168 in 2014. |
It is the highest figure since the trust began monitoring in 1984. | It is the highest figure since the trust began monitoring in 1984. |
"Anti-Semitic reactions to the conflict in Israel and Gaza" were the biggest factor behind the rise, the trust said. | "Anti-Semitic reactions to the conflict in Israel and Gaza" were the biggest factor behind the rise, the trust said. |
It recorded 314 incidents in July - the highest ever recorded in a single month. | It recorded 314 incidents in July - the highest ever recorded in a single month. |
It said almost half the offenders made reference to Gaza or Palestinians. | It said almost half the offenders made reference to Gaza or Palestinians. |
However, it said the number of incidents had already risen significantly in the first six months of the year, before the summer's conflict. | However, it said the number of incidents had already risen significantly in the first six months of the year, before the summer's conflict. |
'Extreme' assault | 'Extreme' assault |
The report said the increase was most marked in London - where the number of incidents rose by 137% to 583 - and in Greater Manchester, where the number rose by 79% to 309. | The report said the increase was most marked in London - where the number of incidents rose by 137% to 583 - and in Greater Manchester, where the number rose by 79% to 309. |
It said there were 81 violent anti-Semitic assaults across the UK in 2014. | It said there were 81 violent anti-Semitic assaults across the UK in 2014. |
One, in London last September, was classified as "extreme". | One, in London last September, was classified as "extreme". |
The victim was subjected to verbal abuse and was hit with a glass and a baseball bat, the report said. | The victim was subjected to verbal abuse and was hit with a glass and a baseball bat, the report said. |
Most assaults were random attacks on Jewish people in public places, it added. | Most assaults were random attacks on Jewish people in public places, it added. |
It said 19 involved objects - usually eggs - being thrown at "visibly Jewish" people from cars. | It said 19 involved objects - usually eggs - being thrown at "visibly Jewish" people from cars. |
Eight were assaults on synagogue congregants going to or from prayers, the report said, and four targeted Jewish schoolchildren on their way to or from school. | Eight were assaults on synagogue congregants going to or from prayers, the report said, and four targeted Jewish schoolchildren on their way to or from school. |
In addition, there were more than 300 reported incidents of verbal abuse - apparently randomly directed at Jewish people in public. | In addition, there were more than 300 reported incidents of verbal abuse - apparently randomly directed at Jewish people in public. |
Hitler 'right' | Hitler 'right' |
For instance, in Manchester in November a 12-year-old girl was walking along the street when someone in a passing car shouted anti-Semitic abuse at her. | For instance, in Manchester in November a 12-year-old girl was walking along the street when someone in a passing car shouted anti-Semitic abuse at her. |
The report noted 233 cases of abuse or threats on social media last year, compared to 88 in 2013. | The report noted 233 cases of abuse or threats on social media last year, compared to 88 in 2013. |
An image of Hitler, with the caption "Yes man, you were right" was widely shared over the summer. | An image of Hitler, with the caption "Yes man, you were right" was widely shared over the summer. |
Social media is also being used to spread anti-Semitic messages, along with graffiti on the homes of Jewish people. | |
Several cemeteries have also been desecrated - including one in Manchester in February: "Jewish slag" was daubed on gravestones. | |
Attack drill | Attack drill |
The report showed an increase in the number of incidents involving schools, Jewish schoolchildren or staff: 66 in 2014, compared with 32 the year before. | The report showed an increase in the number of incidents involving schools, Jewish schoolchildren or staff: 66 in 2014, compared with 32 the year before. |
Children at one Jewish primary in north London told the BBC last month they had experienced anti-Semitism while travelling to school and on school trips. | Children at one Jewish primary in north London told the BBC last month they had experienced anti-Semitism while travelling to school and on school trips. |
They had also begun to practice what to do in case armed intruders attacked their school. | They had also begun to practice what to do in case armed intruders attacked their school. |
The most visible Jewish communities in Britain are the ultra-Orthodox, the Haredim: they wear traditional clothes, with men bearded and wearing skullcaps. | The most visible Jewish communities in Britain are the ultra-Orthodox, the Haredim: they wear traditional clothes, with men bearded and wearing skullcaps. |
Britain's biggest Haredi community is in Stamford Hill, east London. | Britain's biggest Haredi community is in Stamford Hill, east London. |
Last week one far-right activist said he was planning a protest there next month - against "Jewification", according to a poster he put on Facebook. | Last week one far-right activist said he was planning a protest there next month - against "Jewification", according to a poster he put on Facebook. |
A leading figure in the Haredi community, Rabbi Avraham Pinter, said some in the community feared it might inflame tensions. | A leading figure in the Haredi community, Rabbi Avraham Pinter, said some in the community feared it might inflame tensions. |
But he said they had been "overwhelmed" by support from all quarters, especially other faith groups. | But he said they had been "overwhelmed" by support from all quarters, especially other faith groups. |
Community 'anxious' | Community 'anxious' |
David Delew, chief executive of the trust, said the increase in recorded incidents "shows just how easily anti-Semitic attitudes can erupt into race hate abuse, threats and attacks". | David Delew, chief executive of the trust, said the increase in recorded incidents "shows just how easily anti-Semitic attitudes can erupt into race hate abuse, threats and attacks". |
Home Secretary Theresa May said the new figures were "deeply concerning", and she was committed to working with Jewish leaders and police to tackle anti-Semitism. | Home Secretary Theresa May said the new figures were "deeply concerning", and she was committed to working with Jewish leaders and police to tackle anti-Semitism. |
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said this was "an important report" which "must serve as a warning to everyone". | Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said this was "an important report" which "must serve as a warning to everyone". |
The Metropolitan Police said hate crime "remains largely under reported" and urged victims to come forward. | The Metropolitan Police said hate crime "remains largely under reported" and urged victims to come forward. |
In a statement, it said recent events had made Jewish communities "anxious" and said it was providing more patrols in "key areas" and was "closely monitoring the situation". | In a statement, it said recent events had made Jewish communities "anxious" and said it was providing more patrols in "key areas" and was "closely monitoring the situation". |
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