During the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, London has witnessed a concerning increase in antisemitic incidents. Metropolitan Police data shows that between September 30 and October 13, antisemitic incidents rose from 14 to 105, and related offences increased from 12 to 75 compared to the same period the previous year. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during his visit to Sweden, condemned this trend as "disgusting." The UK government has allocated funds to enhance security at Jewish establishments, emphasising its commitment to safeguarding the Jewish community from threats and intimidation. Security measures, including police patrols, have been heightened, with specific attention to addressing concerns at Jewish schools in north London. This increase in hate crimes occurs as a pro-Palestinian protest is anticipated in London, with the Home Secretary warning of firm action against supporters of Hamas. Asian Voice reached out to members of the community and faith organisations, all of whom have expressed fear but also shown resilience to safeguard communities from hate crimes. Met Police and London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan have clearly stated that there’s no room for hate crime.
Over 1,000 police officers were deployed in London as demonstrators marched from the BBC's New Broadcasting House to Downing Street. The Metropolitan Police reported 15 arrests for various offences, including assaults on emergency workers and public fireworks. This protest occurred a week after an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and supportive signs while chanting during the march. Protesters were also heard chanting slogans, including "Rishi Sunak, shame on you" and "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
Despicable and shocking
Zaki Cooper, Co-Chair of BIJA, said: “There is a real worry that people are using the war in Israel to stir up hatred between communities in the UK. We have already seen a worrying rise in antisemitic incidents, an increase of as much as five-fold from previous levels. Some of the demonstrators in central London have and elsewhere have shown support for Hamas and behaved in a menacing and threatening way. This is despicable and shocking in equal measure. Hamas are a terrorist organisation, who have carried out the most appalling crimes against people in Israel, including women, children and babies. Alongside a sharp rise in antisemitism, there has also been a spike in Islamophobia, and we should be alive to that too. Whenever there is any activity which incites racial or religious hatred, the police should make arrests and prosecutions should follow. We need a zero-tolerance approach to such behaviour.”
Deeply worrying time
Mayor Sadiq Khan told Asian Voice, “With the Met reporting an increase in hate crime, thousands of extra officers will be on patrol this weekend providing support and reassurance for communities. No one should have to feel scared or vulnerable because of the community they belong to. There will also be a significant police presence at marches and protests planned for the weekend. The right to protest is an integral part of our democracy, but the Met has been clear – anyone who breaks the law and incites violence or hatred will have action taken against them. I know this is an extremely anxious time for Jewish and Muslim Londoners. There is no place in London for hatred. The Met police have stepped up patrols, with an increased police presence to deter any further acts of either antisemitism or Islamophobia. There is no place for hate crime of any kind in London. This weekend, extra police officers are on patrol providing support and reassurance for communities. This is a deeply worrying time for many in London’s Jewish & Muslim communities. Let me be very clear on this: any perpetrators of antisemitic or Islamophobic abuse will be brought to justice.”
“The suffering and loss of innocent life in both Israel and Gaza is truly heart-breaking and my thoughts are with all those impacted. It’s vital that we don’t allow events overseas to spill over onto our streets in London and I want to reassure both the Jewish community and the Muslim community that we will take a zero-tolerance approach to any Islamophobia or antisemitism.
“I’m continuing to work closely with the police and community leaders to ensure our communities feel safe and are safe, as they go about their daily lives. Our city is united against all forms of hate, and we will continue to do all we can to support faith leaders and communities as we build a safer London for all.”
Resilience training for communities
Dr Deesha Chadha, Co-Chair of the London Faith and Belief Sector Panel, said, “I strongly encourage anyone who represents their place of worship to register for this free training which provides you with all the necessary tools and guidance to keep your places of worship safe, secure and prepared for emergencies. Resilience training for communities is becoming ever more important as communities seek to respond to a myriad of potential risks and hazards. I especially recommend this training to representatives from the Dharmic faith traditions – who do not always take up such opportunities – as it is relevant, up-to-date, delivered by experts and could make a significant, tangible difference to their communities.”
Met Police reiterated that there is no place for hate crime in London. “We're here and ready to help anyone who has been affected by someone else's prejudice, ignorance or violence.
Report hate crime to us directly and officers will take action. We are supporting London's communities affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. There has been a rise in hate crimes reported to us and we are taking action. There is #NoPlaceForHate in London. Hate crime comes in many different forms and strikes at the heart of communities. With your help, we can tackle those responsible for hate crimes and keep our communities safe. We're here and ready to help anyone who has been affected by someone else's prejudice, ignorance or violence.”
Victims of hate crimes should not suffer in silence
Rajnish Kashyap, General Secretary/Director of Hindu Council UK told Asian Voice, “During these challenging times, we must ensure that the turmoil in the Middle East does not negatively impact our own communities here. We are profoundly saddened by the loss of innocent lives, a tragedy that cannot be justified, regardless of which side it affects. We have seen over the weekend that numerous demonstrations and protests have already occurred. We are also conscious of concerns regarding the display of flags and symbols that might make people feel threatened. It is essential to remember that every citizen has the right to hold and express their views within the bounds of the law. We all share a common goal of living harmoniously as fellow citizens in the UK, and this goal is not incompatible with the civil expression of one's opinions on the conflict. Our society should have no room for hatred, and those who have been victims of hate crimes should not suffer in silence. We encourage any victims, members of the public, or anyone feeling vulnerable to report such incidents to the police. The Hindu Council UK stands in solidarity with the community in promoting peace, understanding, and unity during these challenging times.
"There is concern within the community about the possibility of anti-Sikh hate crimes in the UK due to heightened xenophobia right now. On Sunday two hate crime attacks on Sikhs were reported in the USA, in New York and California respectively.”
The Hindu Forum of Britain said that they stand together with NHFUK in this hour of extreme sadness. “We prayed together to convey our sincere condolences to the families of all brutally murdered and those taken hostages. Solace was found in listening to Sholka from Bhagvad Geeta from Acharya ji, priests and spiritual heads of Hindu organisations. We pray for the safe return of Hostages & stand with family members to give them strength.”
Sikh Press Association told the newsweekly, "It is important for Sikhs for it to be recognised, this hate does not just come from white supremacist types.”
Likelihood of intergenerational trauma response
Rima Sidpara, Director, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor said, “There will be mixed emotions ranging from fear, shame, guilt, grief and anger. Fear for themselves their loved ones and their communities here and abroad. Hate crimes do increase both online and in-person resulting in feeling a lack of sense of safety which can result in experiencing anxiety symptoms, panic attacks and avoidance behaviours- avoiding going out and isolating.
There is likely to be intergenerational trauma responses when wars erupt again resulting in reactions such as fight, flight and freeze responses. Psychoeducation can be really helpful during traumatic times, to help understand our emotional and behavioural reactions and normalise them.”
