The number of antisemitic incidents in Britain reached record levels in 2009, according tofigures released by the Community Security Trust (CST). CST, which monitors antisemitism and provides security for the Jewish community in Britain, recorded 924 antisemitic incidents across the country in 2009. This was the worst year since records began in 1984, marking a 55% increase from the previous record high of 598 incidents in 2006; and a 69% increase from the 546 incidents recorded in 2008. This reflects the report issued by CST in July 2009, that more incidents occurred in the first six months of 2009 than in any entire previous year. There were 628 incidents from January to June 2009 and 296 incidents from June to December 2009. The CST say that the record number of 924 incidents was due largely to unprecedented levels of antisemitism during and after the conflict in Gaza. Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP said: “The increase in anti-semitic incidents recorded by CST in the early part of last year is deeply troubling and I want to be unequivocal today; I am a proud friend of Israel and welcome a robust debate about how we ensure both a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state existing side by side. “The debate is welcome, but no strength of feeling can ever justify violent extremism or attacks and we will stand firm against all those who would use anti-Israeli feeling as an excuse or disguise for anti-semitism and attacks on the Jewish community.” Mr Brown reiterated his support for the fight against anti-semitism and racism, saying that “whether online, on campus or on the streets there is absolutely no place for racism or discrimination of any sort”. “These record figures show that antisemitism is an increasingly significant problem for British Jews,” CST spokesman Mark Gardner said. “The trend must be reversed and we call upon decent people to speak out against antisemitism in all its forms.” Senior Parliamentarians also reacted to the report with concern. Chair of the All-Party Group Against Antisemitism, Labour MP John Mann, commented: “This report makes for disturbing reading. While incident figures continue to climb, we must be doing all that we can to ensure such hatred is met with our resolute determination to stop it.” Labour MP Denis MacShane, who chaired the 2006 Parliamentary Inquiry into Antisemitism, added: “The open hate of Israel fanned by jihadi Islamist ideologues is creating an unacceptable climate of fear for Jews. Politicians need to take the lead and say loudly and clearly that British Jews should not have to face intimidation and threats.”
5 February 2010
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