Why Antisemitism Is Rising Across Britain & The North East

Antisemitism has become one of the most pressing challenges facing community relations across the UK. While Britain has long prided itself on being a diverse and tolerant society, recent years have seen a sharp increase in anti-Jewish hatred, prompting concern from police, politicians, community leaders and campaign groups alike.

Although many incidents occur in larger cities such as London and Manchester, the issue extends far beyond those areas. Communities across England, Wales and the North East have been urged to remain vigilant as online abuse, conspiracy theories and hostility towards Jewish people continue to grow.

The Community Security Trust, the charity that monitors antisemitism in Britain, recorded 3,528 antisemitic incidents during 2024, making it the second-highest annual total ever documented. While lower than the record set in 2023, the figure remained 56 per cent higher than the highest annual total recorded before October 2023, highlighting that elevated levels of anti-Jewish hatred have persisted rather than returning to previous norms.

Understanding antisemitism.

Antisemitism refers to prejudice, hostility or discrimination directed towards Jewish people because they are Jewish. It can take many forms, from abusive language and threatening behaviour to vandalism, harassment, conspiracy theories and violent attacks.

Historically, antisemitism has existed in Europe for centuries, often fuelled by myths, stereotypes and false accusations against Jewish communities. During the twentieth century, it culminated in the Holocaust, in which six million Jewish people were murdered by Nazi Germany and its collaborators.

While Britain has strengthened laws against hate crime and discrimination in the decades since, antisemitism has not disappeared. Instead, it has adapted to modern society, increasingly appearing online as well as in everyday life.

Why has antisemitism increased.

Experts say there is no single explanation for the recent rise.

The Community Security Trust found that 52 per cent of antisemitic incidents recorded in 2024 referenced the conflict in the Middle East, while 73 per cent contained political or ideological narratives, conspiracy theories or extremist rhetoric.

This does not mean criticism of the Israeli government or its policies is inherently antisemitic. Democratic debate about international affairs remains legitimate and important.

However, campaigners warn that hostility can cross the line into antisemitism when Jewish people in Britain are blamed for events overseas, subjected to anti-Jewish stereotypes or targeted simply because of their identity or faith.

Political tensions, international conflict and rapidly spreading online misinformation can all create environments where prejudice becomes more visible.

Social media and online abuse.

The internet has transformed how antisemitism spreads.

Where hateful views may once have remained within small groups, social media platforms now allow misinformation, conspiracy theories and abusive content to reach millions within minutes.

The Community Security Trust recorded 1,240 online antisemitic incidents during 2024, representing around 35 per cent of all reported incidents. Campaigners stress this is likely to represent only a fraction of the true amount of antisemitic content shared online.

Many incidents involve abusive comments directed at Jewish individuals, while others include Holocaust denial, conspiracy theories about Jewish influence or attempts to intimidate Jewish organisations through coordinated online campaigns.

Artificial intelligence has also made it easier to create convincing fake images, manipulated videos and misleading content that can reinforce prejudice if shared without verification.

How antisemitism manifests.

Antisemitism is not limited to physical violence.

Most reported incidents involve abusive behaviour, intimidation or threatening language. Others include damage to Jewish property, offensive graffiti, online harassment and targeting people travelling to or from synagogues.

According to the Community Security Trust, 164 incidents during 2024 targeted synagogues, making them one of the most frequently targeted community locations.

For many Jewish people, these incidents create anxiety about openly expressing their faith, wearing religious clothing or attending community events.

The impact often extends beyond individual victims, affecting families, schools, places of worship and wider communities.

Newcastle and the North East.

The North East has a relatively small Jewish population compared with London or Greater Manchester, but that does not place the region outside the national conversation.

Newcastle has a long Jewish history, with established synagogues, community organisations and cultural institutions contributing to the city's diverse identity.

Local authorities, Northumbria Police and community groups continue encouraging the reporting of hate crime while promoting community cohesion through education and engagement.

Research by Newcastle University and the North East Anti-Racism Coalition has highlighted broader concerns about prejudice and discrimination across the region, demonstrating the importance of addressing all forms of hatred before they become normalised.

Community leaders argue that preventing antisemitism is not solely about protecting one group. It is about ensuring every resident feels safe regardless of their religion, ethnicity or background.

Why it matters.

The danger of antisemitism extends beyond the number of reported incidents.

When hatred becomes normalised, communities become more divided, trust weakens and misinformation gains greater influence.

Many experts warn that antisemitism rarely exists in isolation. It often appears alongside other forms of racism, religious intolerance and extremist ideologies.

Addressing it therefore strengthens wider efforts to combat hatred in all its forms.

Britain has made significant progress in tackling discrimination over recent decades, yet the latest figures demonstrate that antisemitism remains a serious challenge requiring continued attention from government, police, technology companies, educators and local communities.

As Newcastle and the wider North East continue to welcome people from different cultures and faiths, building understanding between communities will remain one of the strongest defences against prejudice. Preventing antisemitism is not simply about responding to hate after it happens. It is about creating a society where misinformation, stereotypes and discrimination are challenged before they have the opportunity to spread.