Following the Golders Green attack, Dave Rich, director of policy at the Community Security Trust, argues that British Jews need a comprehensive response from government, police, and wider society to combat the rising tide of antisemitic violence.
Immediate Security Measures
The first priority is increased policing and funding for security, with expedited prosecutions similar to those after the Southport riots. However, physical protection is only part of the solution.
Two Sources of Threat
The supply of antisemitic attacks must be cut off from two directions: state-sponsored violence, potentially from Iran, and homegrown extremism linked to Islamist ideology. The government must respond forcefully to hostile states, including possibly expelling the Iranian ambassador, and legislate to proscribe state-linked entities.
The other source is the pervasive violent incitement in public discourse, often linked to anger over Gaza. While hating Israel is not identical to hating Jews, in practice the lines blur, and incitement against 'Zionists' often leads to attacks on Jews.
Cultural Normalisation
Incitement is being normalised in cultural spaces. For example, the band Bob Vylan has chanted 'Death to the IDF' and called for armed resistance, yet they continue to perform at UK festivals. The government should deny visas to antisemitic artists and withdraw Arts Council funding from venues that host them.
Whole-Society Approach
Extremist violence is produced by ideas and language that demonise a target group. Progressive voices often fail to connect violent language to violent acts, treating antisemitism like a natural disaster rather than a preventable crisis. Addressing the extremist ideas driving antisemitism is essential.
Dave Rich concludes that a whole-society approach, pulling every lever available to set a standard that violent incitement and antisemitic extremism are no longer tolerated, is the only way forward.
