CST sees third highest tally of anti-Semitic abuse despite lockdown

The Community Security Trust (CST) says it recorded 1,668 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK in 2020, down from 1,813 in 2019, but still the third highest total it has ever recorded.

Out of the 1,668, 20 were in Elstree & Borehamwood, and 941 in Greater London, with more in Barnet than any other London borough.

A senior Rabbi says the national figures are "alarming" but added Hertsmere, home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the country, is a "wonderful place" to be Jewish and thanked the authorities and volunteers helping to keep the community safe.

The CST figures reveal the highest monthly number of anti-Semitic incidents in 2020 were reported before and after the first lockdown with 188 in January, 180 in July, 178 in June, and 140 in February.

Th types of incidents in 2020 nationally was largely online abuse, including those sparked by a series of anti-Semitic tweets by rapper Wiley in July.

Screengrab from a video posted by Campaign Against Antisemitism as the protested outside the Twitter's London office before the social media company suspended the account of Grime artist Wiley

There were 41 incidents linked to Covid-19, including conspiracy theories about Jewish involvement in spreading the virus itself or a hoax about the virus, while there was a rise in antisemitism reports in people's homes - 158, up from 118; however physical assaults declined to 97.

There were three examples of "extreme violence" - two stabbings and an arson attack.

Anti-Semitic incidents in the UK from 2010-2019. There were 1,668 in 2020. Credit: PA

There was a brazen display of antisemitism in Borehamwood in September when swastikas and the Star of David was daubed over garages, benches, and a vehicle in the Cowley Hill area of the town - graffiti described by local Labour councillor Jeremy Newmark at the time as "appalling and shocking".

Anti-Semitic graffiti was also daubed across several areas in Hertsmere in 2019, including on a tree in Furzehill Road in Borehamwood, on fences and a synagogue in Shenley, and in a playground in Bushey.

This anti-Semitic graffiti was scrawled across a Borehamwood neighbourhood in September

Anti-Semitic graffiti daubed on a fence in Shenley in 2019

Responding to the CST's figures from 2020, Rabbi Alex Chapper, senior rabbi of Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue, said: "The Borehamwood Jewish community, one of the largest in the country, is understandably alarmed by these figures.

"Sadly we know only too well that our local area is not immune from antisemitism. We thank the Hertfordshire Constabulary, the CST and our local security volunteers for their ongoing support and helping keep our community safe.

"Hertsmere is a wonderful place to be Jewish and is a diverse and welcoming borough but we must all play our part in combatting racism."

Alex Chapper, Senior Rabbi at Elstree & Borehamwood Synagogue

Rabbi Chapper added: "The response to the pandemic has brought the local community together online and in person and it’s been great to be part of the wide-ranging efforts which go a long way to building bridges.

"We pray that 2021 will be a better year for the whole country with the roll out of the Covid vaccine."

Hertsmere Borough Council leader Morris Bright

The Conservative leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Morris Bright, said: "Antisemitism is a deeply distressing crime for those who suffer abuse of their heritage and beliefs and suffer name calling and threats.

"Elstree & Borehamwood has one of the largest communities in the country and around 60 per cent of Hertfordshire's Jews live in Hertsmere.

"We work closely with our Jewish communities as well as the police and the local forum of faiths and other places of worship to help eradicate this and all racism in a host of ways including education and events where people can get to understand more about Judaism and other faiths.

"We must always be vigilant."