CST published information about the rise in antisemitism compared to previous years and breaks down the figures by area and category, as well as look pre and post October 7th.
https://cst.org.uk/news/blog/2024/02/15/antisemitic-incidents-report-2023
from the report
In 2023, 2,410 antisemitic incidents were reported to have taken place in Greater London, rising by 161% from 2022’s total of 923 London-based incidents. CST recorded 555 antisemitic incidents in Greater Manchester, an increase of 163% from the 211 incidents in the corresponding area in 2022. In both cases, these are record annual totals for anti-Jewish hate incidents in these locations, and their combined contribution to the overall figure is 72%, slightly higher than 68% in each of the two preceding years. These communal hubs are home to the largest Jewish populations in the UK, which remain the principal targets of antisemitism. Within Greater London, there were 323 instances of antisemitism reported: among London’s boroughs, more were only recorded in Barnet (864 incidents). It is unusual for Westminster to have the second-highest incident total but, as the capital’s political hub, it was the location of many of the anti-Israel demonstrations post 7 October. While many of their attendees were there in peaceful protest, these marches attracted individuals who were reported for antisemitic placards or hate speech. It was also the site of many of the vigils for Hamas’ victims, which were sometimes targeted by passers-by with anti-Jewish activity. In total, at least 44 of the Westminster-based incidents took place at, or on the way to or from, anti-Israel protests or vigils for the hostages, and two occurred at public Menorah lightings.
Apart from Greater London and Greater Manchester, the police regions with the highest levels of reported antisemitism in 2023 were Hertfordshire with 112 incidents, Essex with 75, West Yorkshire with 75, Scotland with 68, and West Midlands with 63. For the first time ever, antisemitic incidents were recorded in every single police region in the UK.
@PeasfullPerson i don’t think the marches are wholly to blame either, and I wouldn’t have called them anti Israel marches, but I do think there is a problem that the pro Palestinian marches attract an element who unfortunately jump on board to misuse the cause as a vehicle for antisemitism. When people(I am not pointing fingers at you, this is just in general) minimize or deny that this happens, it blocks there from being a way to discuss and collaboratively come up with solutions. I think then when it is effectively ignored, it becomes normalised, which has a wider knock on effect for antisemites who see that it’s possible to be visibly openly antisemitic and people will let it stand in the name of freeing Palestine. It emboldens them further. If this isn’t called out, the risk for Jewish people increased.
this is why I agree with the idea of the marches also having banners condemning hamas and release the hostage posters - not because a pro Palestinian march must make space for Jewish victims too, but because it sends a clear and obvious message that the marches are pro peace for all, and hopefully puts off antisemites from joining.
I also think for the Palestinians’ sake it is important to condemn Hamas, as it reinforces the message that Palestinians and Hamas are not the same, and that their freedom from Hamas is important