The Metropolitan Police have recorded the highest number of antisemitic hate crimes in London in two years, with 140 offences logged in April. This marks a significant increase from 98 in March and 67 in February, and is the highest monthly figure since the force revised its hate crime counting method in March 2024.
In response, the Met is deploying 100 extra officers to form a new 'community protection team', combining neighbourhood policing with counter-terrorism capabilities. The force stated this marks the beginning of a more sustainable and consistent model of protection for Jewish communities, who face heightened hate crime levels alongside terrorist and hostile state threats.
Of the 140 incidents in April, 51 occurred in Barnet, which includes areas with large Jewish populations such as Golders Green, Hendon, and Finchley. Offences included attempted arson attacks at Finchley Reform Synagogue on 15 April, at the former premises of Jewish Futures in Hendon on 18 April, and at a memorial wall in Golders Green on 28 April. A double stabbing in Golders Green on 29 April is also under terrorism investigation.
Other boroughs with high numbers of antisemitic offences included Camden (17), Hackney (16), Haringey (10), and Westminster (7). At least one antisemitic hate crime was recorded in 21 of London's 32 boroughs.
Following an antisemitism summit at Downing Street, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced measures including requiring universities to publish antisemitism levels, increased funding for communal security, and support for a new Jewish Culture Month. The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council welcomed the announcements but called for further action, including proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and faster responses to incitement at pro-Palestinian protests.
