The British Jewish community has experienced significant shifts over the past two years, marked by evolving identities, heightened security perceptions, and internal discourse, particularly regarding Israel. These changes are attributed to events such as the October 7 attacks, subsequent developments in Gaza, and a reported increase in antisemitism. Globally, Jewish communities, including those in Australia and the United States, have reported increased feelings of vulnerability, a sentiment underscored by a recent shooting incident in Bondi Beach, Sydney, which also impacted Hanukkah observances in Israel.
Impact on British Jewish Community
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, described the past two years as challenging for the community. Factors contributing to these changes include the October 7 attacks in Israel, the ensuing conflict in Gaza, an attack on a Manchester synagogue, and the shooting incident in Bondi Beach, Australia.
"The past two years have been challenging for the British Jewish community."
Individuals within the community have reported personal impacts. Ben Dory, a London resident, noted increased involvement in community and anti-antisemitism campaigning due to heightened security concerns. He also stated that some individuals conceal religious identifiers, such as a kippah, in public. Lavona Zarum, a student, reported experiencing social isolation after October 7, finding it difficult to discuss her perspectives with non-Jewish students and observing a perceived increase in antisemitism. She has since sought connections based on mutual respect.
Antisemitism and Security Concerns
Official data indicates a rise in antisemitic incidents. According to the Home Office, hate crimes targeting Jewish people in England and Wales increased from 1,543 in the year to March 2023 to 3,282 by March 2024. The Community Security Trust (CST) reported the highest levels of antisemitic incidents since their records began nearly 40 years ago.
Dame Louise Ellman, a former MP and joint independent chair of the Board of Deputies, stated a feeling of increased vulnerability within the Jewish community.
In Australia, the Jewish community has also reported a sharp increase in antisemitism since October 7, 2023. This includes reported incidents of Jewish institutions being targeted, students harassed, synagogues firebombed, and individuals assaulted. Community members reported a continuous fear for their safety, affecting daily activities and leading to enhanced security measures at schools and synagogues, including bodyguards and air-locking doors. Many Australian Jews, descendants of Holocaust survivors, describe this situation as reviving historical trauma.
Globally, Jewish individuals have reported feeling increasingly vulnerable, even with enhanced security at institutions. This is sometimes contrasted with a reported greater sense of security expressed by some Jews in Israel, a country with a Jewish majority.
Evolving Views on Israel within the British Jewish Community
Discussions within the British Jewish community have also seen shifts regarding Israel, particularly a generational divide. Tash Hyman, a 33-year-old theatre director, reported a strengthened connection to her Jewish identity but a decreased sense of safety due to actions attributed to the state of Israel in Gaza. She emphasized the importance of distinguishing Jewish identity from support for the Israeli state.
Data from the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR), collected before the Manchester attack and published in October, indicates this generational gap. A study of 4,822 individuals over 16 found that 64% identified as "Zionist" overall. However, this figure dropped to 47% among the 20-30 age group. In the same younger demographic, 20% identified as "non Zionist," and 24% as "anti-Zionist." The proportion of anti-Zionists has increased across all age groups since 2022, with the gap between older and younger generations widening.
Robert Cohen, a PhD student, researched British Jews critical of Israel's actions in Gaza. His findings suggest that for some young people, their stance results from a combination of "British Jewish ethics" concerning justice and charity and "Gen Z sensibilities" characterized by authenticity and inclusivity. Other perspectives, including that of Ben Dory, suggested a potential link between a generational split on Israel and a reduced direct connection to the Holocaust's impact among younger individuals.
Internal Discussions within the Board of Deputies
Internal discussions regarding Israel have also occurred within the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Earlier this year, 36 Board members signed an open letter, published in the Financial Times, expressing concern about "this most extremist of Israeli governments" and its approach to hostage release. Five members were subsequently suspended by the Board's Constitution Committee, which concluded they had violated a code of conduct by creating a "misleading impression" that the letter was an official Board document.
The Bondi Beach Attack and International Reactions
On a recent Sunday, an attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, resulted in 16 fatalities, including a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor. Forty individuals, including two police officers, sustained injuries. This event occurred during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
The incident influenced international travel perceptions. Raz Kahlon, 28, stated that the incident altered his previous aspiration to visit Sydney. In Israel, Alice Eldar noted an increase in "antisemitic attacks and this sentiment of intense hatred of Jewish people again."
Hanukkah Observances in Israel
In Tel Aviv, Israel, Hanukkah celebrations, including a public menorah lighting at Habima Square, proceeded amidst concerns following the Bondi Beach attack. Rabbi Shaul Reizes of the Orthodox Jewish Chabad movement conducted the ceremony. Public Hanukkah activities have resumed this year after a period of cancellations, which included disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and events following October 7, 2023. Rabbi Reizes stated that the actions of the assailants in Sydney would not deter their mission to "bring more lights to the world."
A vigil was held at Frishman Beach in Tel Aviv to commemorate the victims of the Sydney attack. Attendees lit memorial candles arranged in the shape of a Star of David and performed a prayer.
Australian Perspectives and Relocation to Israel
Several Australian individuals now residing in Israel offered perspectives on the situation. Ben Freeman, who relocated from Melbourne, stated he experienced antisemitism in Australia and that a rise in threats and violence against Jewish individuals and institutions, particularly following events on October 7, contributed to his decision to move. Freeman referenced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that Australia's government "did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism" and that its decision to recognize a Palestinian state "pours fuel on the antisemitic fire."
Eli Parkes, who moved to Israel a decade ago, noted that many Australian Jews are descendants of Holocaust survivors who sought refuge in Australia to escape antisemitism. Parkes stated that recent years have demonstrated that this perception of complete escape from antisemitism "isn't quite true."
Future Outlook
Phil Rosenberg stated that his primary concerns include the safety of British Jews and the community's self-perception. He noted that recent events have made it more challenging to promote positive narratives about Jewish contributions to British life.
Ben Dory expressed concern for the future security of Jewish people in the UK, suggesting that the national response to current challenges will be critical for maintaining a sense of safety within the community.