Antisemitic hate crimes in London have surged to their highest monthly total in two years, according to data released by the Metropolitan Police. In response, the force has announced the deployment of 100 additional officers dedicated to protecting Jewish communities across the capital.
Record Numbers in April
The Metropolitan Police recorded 140 antisemitic offences in April, a sharp increase from 98 in March and 67 in February. This marks the highest monthly figure since the force revised its hate crime counting methodology in March 2024. Of these incidents, 51 (36%) occurred in the north London borough of Barnet, which includes areas with large Jewish populations such as Golders Green, Hendon, and Finchley.
Among the offences were attempted arson attacks at Finchley Reform Synagogue on 15 April and at the former premises of the charity Jewish Futures in Hendon three days later. A further attempted arson targeted a memorial wall in Golders Green on 28 April. Golders Green was also the scene of a double stabbing on 29 April, which is now subject to a terrorism investigation.
Geographical Spread
In neighbouring Camden, 17 antisemitic offences were logged in April, while Hackney recorded 16, Haringey 10, and Westminster seven. Overall, at least one antisemitic hate crime was reported in 21 of London's 32 boroughs last month.
New Police Unit
The Metropolitan Police has established a new community protection team, combining neighbourhood policing with counter-terrorism capabilities. The force described this as the "beginning of a new, more sustainable and consistent model of protection built around local knowledge, visibility and partnership, rather than relying solely on repeated short-term surges." The unit will consist of 100 extra officers tasked with providing a consistent protective presence for Jewish communities.
Data from before March 2024, under the previous counting method, showed a spike in antisemitic hate crimes following the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent Israel-Gaza war. Offences surged from 61 in September 2023 to 518 in October, with 411 in November, 228 in December, 198 in January 2024, and 174 in February.
Government Response
On Monday, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the government is "determined to make Jewish people in this country feel safe again." This followed an antisemitism summit at Downing Street attended by ministers, police, community groups, and representatives from business, media, arts, and university sectors.
In a speech at the summit, Starmer said the Arts Council "must act using its powers to suspend, withdraw and clawback funding" if arts organisations platform antisemitism. He also announced that universities will be required to publish information about levels of antisemitism on their campuses and their efforts to tackle it. Additional commitments included increased funding for communal security and support for a new Jewish Culture Month.
Community Reactions
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) welcomed the announcements but urged the government to go further. They called for the proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, faster responses to alleged incitement at pro-Palestinian protests, and the use of public order powers to restrict or ban marches where deemed necessary. They also demanded quicker arrests and prosecutions in cases involving incitement against Jews and an end to what they described as a "postcode lottery" in policing.
In a joint statement, the Board of Deputies and the JLC said: "Our community is strong, proud and resilient. We call on all parts of our society to stand with us against extremism."
A rally under the banner "Standing strong – extinguish antisemitism" is scheduled to take place in central London on 10 May.
