New surge in hatred towards Jews recorded in Britain
In England and Wales, antisemitic crimes have risen by 10% over the year ending in March 2026. The number of offenses against Jews increased from 2,874 to 3,162. The surge is linked to an attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur 2025. The total number of hate crimes rose by 7%, and religious hate crimes by 13%. Politicians and community organizations are discussing measures.
In England and Wales, a 10% increase in antisemitic crimes was recorded over the year ending in March 2026. The number of registered offenses against Jews rose from 2,874 to 3,162. The sharp spike occurred after an attack on a synagogue in Heaton Park, Manchester, on Yom Kippur last year, when Jihad al-Shami, wearing a fake suicide belt, drove a car into the gates and attacked worshippers with a knife. Two men were killed: Melvin Kravitz and Adrian Daulby. The total number of hate crimes recorded by police increased by 7%. Religious hate crimes rose by 13%, from 10,067 to 11,419. Jews and Muslims were the most affected. Crimes against Muslims increased by 15%. The spikes coincided with public protests in September 2025 and the start of the US war with Iran in February. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband held a discussion with the Global Task Force J7. The group proposed creating a new international intergovernmental ministerial working group to combat antisemitism. The government allocated £250 million to protect Jewish communities. The Community Security Trust described the level of antisemitic crimes as 'unacceptably high.'