The Jewish community in the United Kingdom is set to receive enhanced protection in the wake of a significant rise in antisemitic incidents following the recent Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. The UK government, in response to these troubling developments, has announced additional funding of £3 million for the Community Security Trust (CST), an organization with a mission to ensure the safety of British Jews in the face of antisemitism and related threats.
The CST has been working closely with law enforcement to secure Jewish community buildings and events, and the injection of this funding is poised to make a substantial difference. It brings the total funding allocated to the Jewish Community Protection Security grant to an impressive £18 million for the fiscal year 2023-24.
This funding will enable the CST to assign additional security personnel to schools they support throughout the entirety of each school’s operating hours. In addition, they will be able to station extra security staff outside synagogues during the critical times of Friday nights and Saturday mornings.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gathered key ministers, top-ranking police officials, and representatives from the CST at Downing Street for a comprehensive discussion on the protection of British communities and the management of protests. The roundtable took place in anticipation of upcoming protests and marches across the UK, driven by the recent surge in antisemitic incidents.
The CST’s records reveal a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents in recent days, totaling 139 cases. This represents a staggering 400% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The alarming rise in these incidents underscores the urgency of measures to protect the Jewish community.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Johnson emphasized the importance of taking a consistent and clear approach to combating hate crimes, managing protests, and safeguarding Jewish communities. He pledged the full support of the government to law enforcement agencies in addressing any glorification of terrorism with the full force of the law.
Following this discussion, the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council will issue guidance to all commanders, clarifying their approach to policing protests over the weekend. The guidance will also address the use of face coverings to deliberately obscure identity.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman urged police chiefs to consider utilizing Section 14 powers under the Public Order Act when necessary to prevent assemblies from blocking roads, particularly outside Jewish monuments and buildings like the Israeli Embassy.
The Home Secretary, in close consultation with the CST, has called for heightened patrols and the use of all available powers to curb disorder and distress in communities, both in physical and online spaces. She has reiterated the government’s stance of zero tolerance for antisemitism and expressed unwavering support for Israel.
Mark Gardner, Chief Executive of the Community Security Trust, expressed gratitude for the additional funding and the support extended by the government and law enforcement agencies. This funding will bolster existing security measures and provide the Jewish community with the protection they need and deserve during this challenging and worrisome period.
The government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Jewish community in the UK is evident, as it works in solidarity with Israel during a difficult and testing time. The funding and the measures taken reflect the nation’s dedication to combating antisemitism and providing a safe environment for all its citizens.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
