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Fear drives Jewish community to hide religious symbols
Derek, a resident of Edgware in north London, purchased a baseball cap this week-an item he never wears-to cover his kippah, the traditional Jewish skullcap, while using public transport. The decision reflects growing unease among British Jews following a surge in antisemitic incidents, including a recent stabbing attack in Golders Green.
Shabbat rituals overshadowed by security concerns
This weekend, Jewish families across the UK will observe Shabbat, the weekly day of rest, with candle-lighting ceremonies and synagogue services. However, the atmosphere is far from routine. Derek, who requested anonymity, described his synagogue as resembling a "prison," fortified with heightened security measures.
"I've never experienced such a deafening silence from the community and the country in response to this wave of antisemitism," he said.
Legal expert grapples with personal safety
Prominent human rights lawyer Adam Wagner revealed the psychological toll of the current climate. While preparing for Shabbat, he admitted to fearing for his safety while purchasing challah, a traditional bread, at a kosher bakery in Golders Green.
"In the back of my mind, I'm thinking about how to avoid being stabbed in the queue," he said. Wagner also disclosed that his child had asked him not to wear a kippah in public, a request that left him torn. "I still haven't decided. I will need to discuss it with them on the day."
Despite his concerns, Wagner plans to attend synagogue, though he acknowledged the stark contrast between Jewish worship and that of other faiths. "I will spend this Shabbat behind high walls, with volunteers in stab vests, car-ramming barriers, and professional security guards," he said.
Synagogues on high alert after Golders Green attack
On Wednesday, two Jewish men were seriously injured in a stabbing attack in Golders Green, which police classified as a terrorist incident. Essa Suleiman, 45, appeared in court on Friday, charged with attempted murder. The attack followed a series of antisemitic incidents, including arson attempts on Jewish sites and ambulances in the same area.
Jonathan Romain, a former rabbi, now volunteers for guard duty outside his synagogue in Maidenhead. "I was inside for years, protected by others. Now, I repay that debt," he said. "I'll be worrying about copycat attacks this Saturday."
Families reconsider safety and future in the UK
For some, the fear has become overwhelming. Ben, a lawyer from north London, and his wife decided to move to Israel after the recent stabbings. "Seeing innocent Jewish people being stabbed pushed it over the edge," he said. The couple has avoided taking their baby to synagogue since an attack on Yom Kippur last year at Manchester's Heaton Park synagogue.
"Our way of life has been trampled on by these threats," Ben added. "I now try to pray as much as I can from home."
Community resilience amid heightened tensions
Despite the climate of fear, many Jews remain determined to uphold their traditions. Judith Nemeth, who witnessed the Golders Green attack, plans to walk the same route to visit family this Shabbat. "Nothing has changed," she said. "We will carry on leading our Jewish lives as usual."
Cantor Zoë Jacobs, whose synagogue in Finchley was targeted in recent arson attempts, emphasized resilience. "We are a tiny minority, but we are determined to leave the world better than we found it," she said. "The two injured men will be in our hearts and minds as we pray for their healing."
Government response met with mixed reactions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced measures to bolster security for Jewish communities, including increased police presence, funding for Jewish security services, and stricter controls on extremist charities and hate preachers. However, his visit to Golders Green was met with protests, with some shouting, "Keir Starmer, Jew harmer."
Lord Richard Hermer, the attorney general and a senior Jewish politician, described the fear within the community as "palpable and understandable." He added, "At times of sorrow or fear, there is comfort in ritual and family."
Adam Wagner called on the government to treat the situation as an emergency, urging swift action. "The whole of society needs to look inwardly and understand why antisemitism has been allowed to grow," he said. "This problem didn't come from nowhere."
Calls for broader action against antisemitism
Many in the Jewish community have criticized the government's response to hate speech and renewed calls for the proscription of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran's UK embassy denied involvement in violent incidents, stating it "categorically rejects" such allegations.
Rabbi Romain highlighted the multifaceted nature of the threat. "The problem comes from the extreme right, extreme left, and Islamists," he said. "Solutions should include regulating anti-Jewish hate at protests and on social media."
As Shabbat approaches, the Jewish community remains divided between resilience and fear, with many hoping for a future where their traditions can be practiced without threat.
