Recent data indicates that the number of antisemitic hate crimes reported in London during April reached its highest level in two years, prompting the Metropolitan Police to allocate an additional 100 officers to enhance security for Jewish communities.
The police force has announced the establishment of a “community protection team,” which will integrate neighborhood policing with counter-terrorism resources, as British Jews confront significant levels of hate crime alongside serious threats from terrorism and hostile states.
In April, the Metropolitan Police recorded 140 antisemitic incidents, a notable increase from 98 in March and 67 in February. This April total represents the highest monthly count since the force revised its hate crime reporting methodology in March 2024.
Out of the 140 recorded incidents in April, 51 (or 36%) occurred in Barnet, a borough in North London with a substantial Jewish population, including areas like Golders Green, Hendon, and Finchley. Notable incidents included attempted arson at Finchley Reform Synagogue on April 15 and at the former location of the charity Jewish Futures in Hendon three days later. Additionally, an attempted arson was reported at a memorial wall in Golders Green on April 28.
Golders Green was also the site of a double stabbing on April 29, which is currently under investigation as a terrorism-related case.
In neighboring Camden, 17 antisemitic incidents were recorded, while Hackney reported 16, Haringey noted 10, and Westminster had seven. Overall, at least one antisemitic hate crime was documented in 21 of the 32 boroughs across London last month.
The Metropolitan Police emphasized that the new community protection team signifies the launch of a more sustainable and consistent approach to community safety, focusing on local engagement, visibility, and collaboration instead of relying on short-term measures.
Prior to the March 2024 reporting changes, data showed a significant rise in antisemitic hate crimes following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 and the ensuing conflict between Israel and Gaza. Reports surged from 61 incidents in September 2023 to 518 in October, with 411 in November, 228 in December, 198 in January 2024, and 174 in February.
On Monday, a spokesperson for Labour leader Keir Starmer remarked that the government is “committed to ensuring that Jewish individuals in this country feel safe once more,” following an antisemitism summit at Downing Street that included ministers, law enforcement, community representatives, and members from various sectors including business, media, arts, and education.
During the summit, the Prime Minister stated that the Arts Council must utilize its authority to suspend or retract funding from arts organizations that promote antisemitism. He also announced that universities would be required to disclose information regarding antisemitism on their campuses and the measures they are implementing to address it. Furthermore, there were pledges to enhance funding for community security and to support a new initiative for Jewish Culture Month.
Both the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) welcomed these initiatives but urged the government to take further action. They called for the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a prohibited organization, quicker responses to alleged incitement at pro-Palestinian protests, and the enforcement of public order powers to control or prohibit marches when necessary. Additionally, they advocated for expedited arrests and prosecutions in cases of incitement against Jewish individuals and an end to the perceived inconsistencies in policing practices.
In their statement, the Board of Deputies and the JLC affirmed, “Our community is strong, proud, and resilient. We urge all segments of society to unite with us against extremism.”
A rally titled “Standing strong – extinguish antisemitism” is scheduled to occur in central London on May 10.
