Anti-Jewish attacks double in a decade

Last updated at 09:47 07 September 2006


Attacks on members of the Jewish community have doubled in a decade and MPs have urged the Government to take action to stem the growing social acceptance of anti-semitism.

The warning came in a report from the All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Anti-Semitism.

"Recent tensions in the Middle East have exacerbated the problem with the latest figures showing the third highest level of anti-semitic incidents ever recorded in Britain over a month," the MPs said.

Since January this year there have been 73 anti-semitic assaults, together with two incidents of "extreme violence".

In all, there have been 402 incidents so far, including vandalism and abusive behaviour, compared to 455 in the whole of last year.

This years tally is on course to more than double the count in 1996. Ten years ago, just 228 anti-semitic incidents were recorded.

The report, based on evidence heard over several months, concluded that anti-Jewish sentiment is entering mainstream society.

MPs said increased tension and violence in the Middle East, including the war between Hezbollah and Israel, have aggravated the problem.

Denis McShane, who chaired the panel, said the increased violence has heightened anxiety and vulnerability within the Jewish Community.

He said: "Acts of violence and abuse towards Jews are an affront to any modern society. They must be dealt with swiftly and severely wherever they occur.

"All forms of anti-Semitism are racism".

The All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry was set up to investigate the nature and extent of racist attacks against Jews.

Iain Duncan Smith, who sat on the panel, said it was "perverse" that not all police forces record anti-Semitic incidents and some "verge on the complacent".

The panel advised the Government, police, prosecutors, universities and Jewish community work together to counter the rising tide of prejudice.

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