The Jewish News has captured the frustration of many following the latest antisemitic attack in Golders Green, criticising the predictable responses from politicians and the press. While expressions of solidarity like 'we stand with the Jewish community' are often dismissed as clichés, they still hold value in showing support and condemning hatred. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper should not be belittled for their sympathy, even if the public is angry.
Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised the need for action, stating that those who call for 'globalising the intifada' are advocating terrorism against Jews and should be prosecuted. He described such rhetoric as 'extreme racism' that has left the Jewish community scared and wondering if they belong. However, the Jewish News rightly points out that a culture of complacency persists, where antisemitic violence is seen as inevitable, akin to an 'acceptable level of violence' that drains the will to act.
The government has announced an extra £25 million for security at Jewish institutions, but this is insufficient. Building higher fences and installing more cameras will not address the root causes of hate. A comprehensive approach is needed, involving all arms of government and civic society, as Sir Keir has advocated for the cost of living crisis. Ministers are now treating the threat as an emergency, expediting arrests and court proceedings.
Recent attacks, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, arson on Hatzola ambulances, and the deadly assault on a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur, show the severity of the threat. Without stronger action, future attacks could be even more deadly. The intelligence services must target Iranian, Islamist, or Russian-inspired groups fomenting terror, and the Prevent programme needs scrutiny, especially as the latest suspect was previously referred to it.
Radicalisation occurs both online and in communities, from Islamist extremists and neo-Nazis. Despite robust laws against incitement, such crimes are rarely prosecuted. British society must decide whether to tolerate populist rhetoric that fuels hatred, or take decisive action to protect Jewish citizens.
