A landmark study has exposed a deeply divided and concerned Britain, with nearly half of the population now believing the country is unsafe for Jewish people in the wake of the Heaton Park synagogue attack.
The research from the think tank More in Common reveals a nation grappling with the fallout from the Middle East conflict, showing a worrying rise in antisemitism fears and a public growing weary of disruptive protest marches.
Rising Fears and Changing Behaviours
The data paints a stark picture of anxiety within the Jewish community and beyond. Forty-four percent of Britons now consider the UK a 'mostly' or 'very' unsafe place for Jewish people.
This figure is the highest ever recorded by the think tank. The study found that this perception is driving tangible changes in behaviour, with many Jewish individuals reportedly choosing not to wear religious symbols in public to ensure their own safety.
Furthermore, public concern about the rise of antisemitism has intensified, with six in ten people expressing worry about its increase since the conflict began.
Public Backlash Against Disruptive Protests
Alongside fears for safety, the British public's tolerance for protest movements is wearing thin. The research indicates that sustained demonstrations related to Gaza are fuelling a broader backlash.
A significant two-thirds (67%) of people agreed that some protests have become so disruptive that they should be banned outright. This sentiment follows rallies in support of the proscribed organisation Palestine Action.
Researchers noted, 'Public patience for protest is wearing thin. Two-thirds of Britons now believe some protests are too disruptive to be allowed.'
A Nation Divided and Withdrawing from Debate
The war has created clear schisms in British society, with those holding opposing views becoming increasingly entrenched. The study found that 27% of Britons would think worse of someone for attending a pro-Palestine march, while 30% would judge someone negatively for going to a pro-Israel march.
This division is driving conversations away from public view. An overwhelming three-quarters of people feel uncomfortable discussing Israel and Palestine on social media, with some even considering ending friendships over the issue.
The polling also revealed a scepticism towards celebrity activism. A majority (64%) disapproved of a musician making statements like 'death to the IDF,' as Bob Vylan did at Glastonbury, with most preferring artists to keep politics out of music altogether.
Luke Tryl, director of More in Common UK, issued a stark warning: 'Divisions over the conflict have seriously strained trust in Britain's media organisations, institutions and politicians.' He called for concerted efforts to find a way out of this 'growing cycle of polarisation' that risks inflicting lasting damage on the UK's social fabric.
The findings are based on three surveys conducted in October, each polling around 2,000 adults across Britain.
