UK pledges £250 million to protect Jewish communities after surge in antisemitic attacks

The British government has announced a £250 million (US$335 million) fund over three years to better protect Jewish communities, following a series of antisemitic attacks. The package includes 500 additional police officers across England and Wales, with a focus on Jewish neighborhoods, schools, synagogues, and community centers.

Recent attacks have heightened tensions, including an incident in March where four Jewish community ambulances were set on fire in London, and a stabbing attack in north London in April that prompted the UK to raise its terrorism threat level to ‘severe.’ The new funding builds on £25 million announced after the stabbings.

Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the rise in antisemitism was ‘a test of the country’s values’ and that tackling it had been a key priority. The Metropolitan Police will receive £86 million, while £59 million is allocated for counter-terrorism policing. Forces in Greater Manchester, where a synagogue was attacked last year, will get around 80 extra officers.

The government said increased patrols during high-risk periods aim to reassure the public and prevent hate crimes. This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to protecting its Jewish communities amid a worrying trend of antisemitic incidents.

Article and image source: israelherald.com