Jewish Life Faces Constant Threat

Fortress Britain: Jewish community confronts fear amid rising tide of hate

Intense security measures have become an inescapable part of daily existence for the Jewish populace within the United Kingdom. People live with a constant apprehension of potential violence, a fear tragically realised in Manchester. This pervasive sense of unease has transformed places of worship, educational facilities, and community hubs into fortified spaces, reflecting a community bracing against a relentless surge in antisemitism.

The brutal assault on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester on 2 October 2025 laid bare the community's worst fears. On Yom Kippur, the most sacred day according to Jewish tradition, an attacker drove a car into pedestrians before stabbing worshippers. The attack, declared a terrorist incident, resulted in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, and left three others with serious injuries.

This calculated act of violence was not an isolated event but the horrifying culmination of a rising tide of anti-Jewish sentiment. It confirmed a grim sentiment expressed by one rabbi to the BBC: a fatal assault was not a question of if, but where. For British Jews, the question of safety is no longer abstract; it is a daily, tangible concern that shapes their lives and tests their resilience.

A Community Under Siege

For a considerable time, heightened protective measures have been a standard component of daily life for Jewish people across the UK. Tall fences, reinforced doors, and the constant presence of security personnel are common sights at Jewish institutions. A substantial part of this protection is supplied by community members who volunteer, a testament to a long-standing tradition of self-reliance.

The need for such measures has become increasingly acute. A charity dedicated to protecting the UK's Jewish community, the Community Security Trust (CST), recorded 3,528 anti-Jewish hate incidents in 2024, the second-highest annual total ever reported. This followed a record 4,103 incidents in 2023. These figures represent a dramatic increase compared to pre-October 2023 levels, with campaigners describing a "new reality" of heightened fear.

The nature of these incidents ranges from abusive behaviour and online hate to violent assaults. According to the CST, a significant portion of these acts are linked to events in the Middle East, with anti-Zionist language often used as a cover for antisemitism. This trend has left many British Jews feeling unfairly targeted and vulnerable.

The Manchester Attack: A Day of Horror

The attack at Heaton Park synagogue was a stark illustration of the dangers faced by the community. The assault began when a man drove a car into people arriving for Yom Kippur services. He then got out of the car and started to attack congregants with a blade.

The police response was initiated by the rapid actions of a volunteer security guard, aged 78. He, alongside other volunteers from the community and professional security staff, blocked the entrance from the attacker, preventing further carnage inside the synagogue. The two men who lost their lives, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, were among those bravely defending their community.

Officers from the Greater Manchester Police force arrived in minutes, declaring a major incident and shooting the attacker dead. The aftermath of the attack sent shockwaves through the UK's closely connected Jewish community of approximately 300,000, prompting an urgent re-evaluation of security needs and a renewed call for government action to tackle the root causes of antisemitism.

The Volunteer Shield: A Community Protecting Itself

In the face of rising threats, the Jewish populace has shown incredible fortitude, primarily through the efforts of volunteer security organisations. At the vanguard of this effort is the Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security advice, training, and personnel to Jewish institutions nationwide.

Founded in 1994, the CST works in close partnership with police forces, providing a vital layer of protection that law enforcement alone cannot supply. With a network of several thousand volunteers, the charity ensures that synagogues, schools, and community events can continue to function as safely as possible. Volunteers, drawn from every segment of the Jewish populace, are equipped with stab-resistant vests as standard practice and undergo rigorous training to prepare them for potential threats.

In the capital, a different organization, Shomrim, conducts patrols within Orthodox Jewish districts, acting as a visible deterrent to crime and providing a rapid response to incidents. These volunteer efforts are a powerful symbol of the community's determination to protect itself, but they also highlight the significant burden placed on ordinary citizens to ensure their own safety.

A Rising Tide of Antisemitism

The surge in antisemitic events in the UK is part of a worrying global trend. The conflict in the Middle East has been a significant driver of this increase, with data from the CST showing that a large percentage of incidents reference or are connected with Israel and the conflict in Gaza.

Home Office statistics reflect this alarming trend, with a notable rise in religiously motivated hate crimes. A report from the Jewish Policy Research institute found a sharp decline in feelings of safety among British Jews since October 2023. The report highlighted the rise of "ambient antisemitism," including hostile media coverage and online abuse, which contributes to a pervasive sense of anxiety.

This climate of fear has tangible consequences for daily life. Some Jewish people report feeling hesitant to display visible signs of their faith, such as wearing a kippah or items displaying the Star of David, out of fear of being singled out. The constant need for vigilance has taken a psychological toll, particularly on children, who are growing up in a world where their identity can make them a target.

Government and Police Response

Following the Manchester violence and the broader rise in antisemitism, the UK government and police forces have taken steps to enhance security for the Jewish populace. Police have increased patrols around synagogues and other Jewish sites nationwide, aiming to provide a visible and reassuring presence.

The government has also committed significant funding to bolster security measures. In February 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a security package of more than £70 million for the CST over the next four years. This funding is intended to support the provision of security guards, CCTV, and alarm systems at Jewish community buildings. This represents the largest single financial commitment any government has made to safeguard Jewish people in the UK.

In addition to funding, a new task force has been established, bringing together senior police leaders, ministers, and the CST to improve efforts to combat antisemitic crime. This body will provide a forum for discussing security concerns and reviewing operational guidance for police.

Calls for a Stronger Stance

While many in the Jewish populace welcome the increased funding and police presence, leaders argue that security measures alone are not enough. There is a growing call for the government to take a more robust stance against the extremist ideologies that fuel antisemitism.

Community leaders have expressed frustration that their concerns have often been disregarded. Marc Levy, who is in charge of the Jewish Representative Council for Greater Manchester, asserted that their anxieties have frequently been downplayed and ignored. There is a belief that successive governments have failed to adequately challenge aggressive jihadist rhetoric and address the spread of antisemitic hate.

The debate also extends to the policing of protests, particularly those related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has questioned why marches containing "outright antisemitism" and support for Hamas are allowed to take place, arguing that such events contribute to a dangerous climate.

The Psychological Toll on a Community

The constant threat of attack and the daily reality of heightened security have a profound psychological impact on Jewish families and individuals. Parents face the difficult task of explaining a complex and frightening world to their children. Rabbi Albert Chait, who leads the Leeds-based congregation, recounted how the incident in Manchester left his nine-year-old daughter trembling with fear and asking him why Jewish people are hated.

This fear can lead to difficult decisions. Some parents have expressed anxiety about sending their children to Jewish schools, even with the promise of enhanced security. The pervasive sense of unease has led some to question their future in Britain. Amanda, a mother from north London, shared that her younger daughter asked if they should consider moving.

This sentiment is echoed in the findings of the Jewish Policy Research report, which noted that optimism about the future for Jewish people in Britain is muted. The report also highlighted growing internal community tensions, often related to differing views on Israel and Zionism.

A Global Phenomenon

The challenges facing the UK's Jewish populace are not unique. Countries across Europe and North America have also witnessed a rise in antisemitism and deadly attacks on Jewish institutions. In France, home to Europe's largest Jewish community, armed police are a regular sight stationed near educational facilities and places of worship.

Horrific events in recent years include an assault on a Jewish educational facility in Toulouse, an attack at a Paris grocery store, and violence at a Pittsburgh synagogue. These events underscore the international nature of the threat and the shared anxieties of Jewish communities worldwide. The response in France has included a significant and visible security presence, a measure that has become an accepted element of existence for French Jews.

This global context reinforces the sense among many British Jews that they are on the frontline of a wider battle against extremism and intolerance. The need for international cooperation and a shared commitment to combating antisemitism has never been more apparent.

Defiance and Resilience in the Face of Hate

Despite the fear and uncertainty, the overwhelming reaction from the Jewish populace has been one of defiance and resilience. Following the Manchester violence, Rabbi Daniel Walker encouraged his congregation to show they would not be intimidated. He reminded them of their people’s history of rebuilding, recovering, and returning with greater strength.

This spirit of defiance is reflected in the actions of ordinary community members. In the days following the attack, the CST reported a surge in the number of people applying to become volunteer security guards. Dave Rich, who directs policy for the charity, characterized this as an indication of the community's strength and refusal to be intimidated.

Similarly, Jonathan Wittenberg, a senior rabbi with the Masorti movement, highlighted the community's fortitude, calling Judaism an exceptionally resilient faith. This resilience is rooted in a long history of overcoming adversity and a powerful commitment to maintaining Jewish life and culture.

Looking to the Future

The path forward for the UK's Jewish populace is fraught with challenges. The need for enhanced security is unlikely to diminish in the near future, and the community will continue to rely on the dedication of its volunteers and assistance from the government and police.

However, there is a clear consensus that a long-term solution must go beyond physical security. Tackling the root causes of antisemitism will require a concerted effort to challenge extremist ideologies, promote education and understanding, and ensure that hate speech is not allowed to flourish on the streets or online.

For many, the future for Jewish people in Britain will depend on the willingness of wider society to stand in solidarity with the community and to confront all forms of hatred and intolerance. The words of a mother to her daughter, quoting a traditional Hebrew melody, offer a powerful message of hope, conveying that the world is a slender crossing, and the essential principle is to be completely without fear.