Why do Jewish schools need protection?

[Lovepeaceunderstanding]

Rishi Sunak has just promised 3 million pounds to protect Jewish schools in the U.K. I find it horrifying that there is a need to do so. What sort of vile creature would target Jewish children?

Agree. I think she meant Palestinian terrorists, and other terrorists. Not “all Palestinians are terrorists”.

Can't believe @Flopsythebunny comment was removed

Agreed

They do. But Security often goes against the concept of Muslim education (Muslim schools in many sects are meant to be open for all) and so leaders don’t apply for it. Or mistakenly don’t think it applies until a student is stabbed or a threat made:

https://5pillarsuk.com/2022/05/24/govt-encourages-mosques-and-muslim-schools-to-apply-for-security-funding/

I think TBF the threat is not actually antisemitism. It is more extremist Islamic terrorism that tries to justify itself as a response to the situaton in Israel - no one, in the UK at least, is particularly worried about right (or left) wing people actually attacking synagogues. Albeit you might get some lone wolf right wing nutters these days because of conspiracies and the internet sadly.

The fear from some within the Jewish community might be that the most credible threat to the community is that of Islamic terrorism in the UK but information coming out from Mi5 is that of right wing extremism. In addition to this a large number of recommendations made to the government Prevent programme is for right wing extremism.

Taking my (Jewish) daughter to her (Jewish) school, past the security guards and police, used to feel somewhat like an unnecessary routine. But now I'm glad of it.

There is call for a widespread uprising against Jews tomorrow. A new Kristallnacht. Even with all the security in the world, I will be keeping my daughter at home.

You're not worried? Where do you live? We're up north in the provinces (not Manchester) and I'm really scared.

Has there been any actual credible threats prior to this one?

I have previously read opinion pieces/articles from Jewish people who question if a lot of the need for security and talk about threats was actually scaremongering.

@JustAMinutePleass , Muslim students have been stabbed? 😔 By whom?

@PurpleChrayne , it’s beyond my comprehension that anyone would seek to harm a child. I’m so sorry that the Jewish community has to face this.

How is the statement that multiculturalism as failed be controversial when Jewish schools in Britain need this level of security?

I’m glad there is extra protection but I’m so sorry people are feeling afraid. Understandably afraid.

Amsterdam closing their schools tomorrow too

Where are the credible threats though? How do we know is just not people being scared and wanting to protect themselves?

I haven't met anyone or read anything that blames European Jews for this and wants to harm them.

It's a fact that Jewish schools and synagogues are regularly vandalised tbh. And I don't think scoffing at generational trauma and telling people they're overreacting is helpful (that may not be what you meant, but it's what comes across).

I think Jews and Palestinians all over the world will be feeling both terrified and heartbroken right now.

I live next to a large Muslim community, and am on the neighbourhood site. If you saw some of the vile comments on there in respect of Jewish people following the last week or so, you would be in no doubt whatsoever that the Jewish community need our protection. Fortunately the site is policed and the posts are removed, but the strength of hatred again the Jews is there for all to see.

You can be confident because you haven’t met anyone who states they wish to harm people?

Show me, because I also live in a Muslim community and apart from people saying have you seen the news everyone has got on with their life, going to work, school, shopping.

Diversity is our strength

The threat is right wing in nature. There were nearly 4,000 attacks on Muslims last year (versus 160 for Jews and 166 for Hindus). That’s why the government has encouraged Muslims (schools are often attached to mosques) to use the Security fund money.

Have you not seen all the footage of people in Britain celebrating the murder of Jews?

Because no one talks about Jews, I've met racists, people talking about new arrivals, saying things without saying things and no one ever talks about Jewish people.

I travel for work and have been to many nurseries all over London and haven't come across people talking about Jews or anything written or underhanded.

Ever other race or religion though I've heard stuff about. Why are we celebrating this? I don't think such and such should do such and stuff... etc

Never been any particular security at schools here in London where MPs children go!
In London we're used to security in schools since the IRA bombing and Iraq wars. We had regular bomb drills and safety drills at my school in the 80s and 90s. Jewish schools had more security measures due to specific threats, though.

To quote the poster just before you

Have you not seen all the footage of people in Britain celebrating the murder of Jews?