The Rise of Antisemitism in Britain: A Warning Sign for Free Speech

Strategic Insights -

A stark warning is being issued about the growing menace of antisemitism in Britain. New polling shows that over a quarter of Britons hold or agree with antisemitic views, with younger age groups proving particularly susceptible to this hateful ideology. The rise of antisemitism has been linked to the increasing criminalization of pro-Palestinian activism, with the government's decision to ban Palestine Action seen as a contributing factor. The consequences of this ban have been predictable, with the group gaining public recognition and sympathy, and its supporters becoming increasingly entrenched in their views. Meanwhile, Jewish people are feeling unsafe in parts of London, and the police are risking being seen as heavy-handed.

Key Takeaways:

  • According to a YouGov survey commissioned by the Campaign Against Antisemitism, over a quarter of Britons (26%) hold or agree with antisemitic views, with three in ten (31%) believing that "Israel and its supporters are a bad influence on our democracy."
  • The survey found that young people are more susceptible to antisemitic views, with 60% of 18-24-year-olds believing that Israel treats the Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews.
  • The increasing criminalization of pro-Palestinian activism has contributed to the rise of antisemitism, with 45% of Britons believing that Israel treats the Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews.
  • The ban on Palestine Action has had the predictable consequence of making the group a cause celebre, with supporters becoming increasingly entrenched in their views.
  • Jewish people are feeling unsafe in parts of London, with swastika graffiti and antisemitic hate incidents on the rise.
  • The government needs to do more to tackle the political culture that makes it easy for people to slide from criticism of Israel to antisemitism.
  • Criminal acts such as vandalism, threatening and abusive behaviour, and violence towards the police should continue to meet the full force of the law, but the government should also consider quietly unproscribing Palestine Action.

Statistics:

  • 26% of Britons hold or agree with antisemitic views (YouGov survey).
  • 31% of Britons believe that "Israel and its supporters are a bad influence on our democracy" (YouGov survey).
  • 60% of 18-24-year-olds believe that Israel treats the Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews (YouGov survey).
  • 45% of Britons believe that Israel treats the Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews (YouGov survey).
  • 17 people were arrested for assaulting police officers on Saturday.
  • 16 people were arrested for other offences on Saturday.
  • 857 people were arrested under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 on Saturday.
  • The number of antisemitic hate incidents in Britain has risen sharply in recent months.

Sources:

  • YouGov survey commissioned by the Campaign Against Antisemitism.
  • Pascal Bruckner, I Suffer Therefore I Am.
  • Board of Deputies of British Jews.
  • BBC.
  • The Times.
  • The Guardian.
  • The Daily Telegraph.