Bury: Concerns after huge rise in antisemitic attacks

A report by Jewish charity, the Community Security Trust, show that last year there were 4,103 recorded incidents targeting the Jewish community, a large increase from the previous annual record of 2,261, which was logged two years previously.

Out of these, 2,699 (66 per cent) incidents happened on or after the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, in which 1,200 people were killed and another 250 were taken hostage.

Since then, 28,000 Palestinians have been killed, 80 per cent of Gaza's population have fled their homes and a quarter are starving amid a worsening humanitarian catastrophe. 

The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region highlighted that a total of 583 antisemitic incidents occurred in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire, representing an increase of 163 per cent.

Labour MP for Bury South, Christian Wakeford, whose area covers populations with large Jewish populations in Prestwich and Whitefield, has described the number of antisemitic attacks as "sickening".

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford (Image: Christian Wakeford)

He said: “The explosion of hatred that we have seen since October 7 is a stain on our society.

“We must not allow events unfolding internationally to play out through Jew hatred and more importantly we must always stand against it.

“The saddest part of these figures is that antisemitic incidents skyrocketed in the immediate aftermath of a terror attack responsible for the highest Jewish death toll on any day since the Holocaust.

‘The normalisation of antisemitism is sickening and we have to work at bringing people together to find points of agreement through dialogue and discussion as that is where I think we go wrong, and misinformation and misrepresentation is allowed to spread.”

Arnold Saunders, the Conservative Party candidate's for Bury South who is also a rabbi, is concerned about the alarming trend too.

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Arnold Saunders (Image: Conservatives)

He said: “It’s very worrying.

“It does seem to happen every time there's tensions in the Middle East, but this has been off the scale.

“Fortunately, no one's been killed or seriously injured (in this country) as far as I'm aware, but the increase in antisemitism has been very drastic.

“MPs and rabbis have had death threats.

“That said, I always say to people to stay calm as the police generally have got their backs, although I think they could do more to police the marches and the protests.

“But people are starting to feel a bit unsafe and looking over their shoulders again.”

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The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region has called for support in the community.

A spokesperson said: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms those who are engaging in this behaviour.

"We also call upon others to stand alongside the Jewish community and show solidarity and support during this challenging time.”

The government’s independent adviser on antisemitism, Lord Mann said the report’s figures are a “reminder to British civil society of the serious nature of antisemitism and the impact that it has on the Jewish community”.

He added: “This country will not tolerate the abuse or intimation of any of its citizens and I will continue to make sure that it remains a safe place for our Jewish community.”

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Chief Constable Stephen Watson has previously said: “There is no place for antisemitic hate crime in Greater Manchester and GMP understands the traumatic impact it can have on victims and communities, particularly at times like this - when they feel most vulnerable.

"GMP is committed to safeguarding people and property and taking robust action against offenders.

"The force has committed, and will continue to commit, significant and focused resources to giving reassuring effect to its intentions.

“If you feel you are a victim of hate crime, please be assured that we want you to report it to us – GMP can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Similarly, as events continue to unfold, I know that there will be difficult times ahead for many of our communities and GMPs stance will continue to reflect the understandable concerns which so regrettably have been caused to arise.”