Antisemitic incident reports rise by a fifth in first half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, antisemitic incidents in the UK have risen by 21% compared to the same period last year, according to figures from the Community Security Trust (CST). The CST recorded 1,926 incidents of anti-Jewish hate in the UK between January and June 2026, marking the second highest total ever reported in the first half of any year since data collection began in 1984.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones expressed concern over the numbers, describing them as "appalling" and highlighting the fear people feel simply for being Jewish. The incidents included arson attacks against Jewish organizations and synagogues in London, as well as an attack where two visibly Jewish men were stabbed, treated as an act of terrorism.

The CST noted a significant increase in antisemitic incidents following these events, with the highest daily total occurring after the double stabbing on April 29th. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is cited as one factor contributing to the rise in antisemitism, with 41% of the incidents recorded by the CST linking the hatred to the conflict, Israel, Palestine, or Hamas.

CST chief executive Mark Gardner emphasized that these attacks are not only against British Jews but also a threat to Britain and its society, urging everyone to be concerned about the issue. The CST data also revealed that antisemitism is at heightened levels globally, with the UK recording the biggest rise in incidents last year of any country with a significant Jewish population outside Israel.

Additionally, 2025 was identified as the deadliest year for Jews in the diaspora in over three decades. The government's independent adviser on antisemitism, Lord John Mann, highlighted that the figures demonstrate that anti-Jewish racism in the UK remains at an all-time high, with a particular concern over the increasing violence associated with antisemitism.