Key Takeaways
- The British Jewish community has experienced a profound impact from the conflict in the Middle East over the past two years, leading to increased antisemitism and a sense of insecurity.
- A generational divide has emerged among British Jews regarding their views on Israel, with younger individuals more likely to be critical of Israel’s actions.
- The community is grappling with how to balance their support for Israel with their concerns about the treatment of Palestinians.
- The rise in antisemitism has led to an increase in hate crimes, with 1,543 hate crimes targeted at Jewish people in England and Wales in the year to March 2023, rising to 3,282 by March 2024.
- The Board of Deputies of British Jews has faced internal conflicts over how to conduct debates on Israel, with some members calling for a more critical approach to the Israeli government.
Introduction to the British Jewish Community’s Challenges
The British Jewish community has faced an incredibly difficult two years, with the conflict in the Middle East having a profound impact on their lives. The attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza have led to a significant increase in antisemitism, with many British Jews feeling vulnerable and insecure. The community is struggling to come to terms with the rise in hate crimes, with 1,543 hate crimes targeted at Jewish people in England and Wales in the year to March 2023, rising to 3,282 by March 2024. This has led to a sense of unease and fear among British Jews, with many feeling that their Jewish identity is being worn more heavily than ever before.
The Impact of Antisemitism on British Jews
The rise in antisemitism has had a profound impact on British Jews, with many feeling that they are under constant threat. Ben Dory, a 33-year-old from London, has become more involved in his synagogue and has taken a more active role in campaigning against antisemitism. He believes that the global frenzy of antisemitism has led to a situation where Jews feel they are under threat, even at non-political cultural and religious gatherings. The attack on a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur and the devastating shooting at Bondi Beach have collectively had far-reaching repercussions for Britain’s estimated 300,000 Jews. Many are now hiding their kippah until they are inside the synagogue due to security concerns, and some are even avoiding attending synagogue altogether.
A Generational Divide on Israel
A generational divide has emerged among British Jews regarding their views on Israel. A study by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research found that 64% of British Jews identify as "Zionist," but among the 20-30 age group, only 47% do. Meanwhile, 20% of that age group describe themselves as "non-Zionist" and 24% as "anti-Zionist." Robert Cohen, a PhD student at King’s College London, believes that this divide is due to a mix of British Jewish ethics and "Gen Z sensibilities." He argues that young people are more likely to prioritize justice and inclusivity, leading them to be more critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Tash Hyman, a 33-year-old theatre director from London, is an example of this trend. She has become more connected to her Jewishness but does not feel greater support for Israel, believing that the actions of the state of Israel make her feel less safe, not more safe.
Discord within the Board of Deputies
The Board of Deputies of British Jews has faced internal conflicts over how to conduct debates on Israel. Earlier this year, 36 members signed an open letter protesting against the Israeli government’s actions, leading to the suspension of five members. Phil Rosenberg, the president of the Board, argues that there has long been healthy debate among the 300 deputies, but his primary concern now is the safety of British Jews and how the community sees itself. He believes that the community needs to move beyond just discussing pain and antisemitism and start celebrating the contributions made by Jews to British life. However, the events of the past two years have made it harder to achieve this goal, with the war in the Middle East dominating the headlines and making it difficult for Jews to feel positive about their identity.
The Future of the British Jewish Community
The future of the British Jewish community is uncertain, with many feeling that their safety and security are under threat. Ben Dory believes that the future of Jewish people in the UK is on a real knife edge and that how Britain responds to this challenge will be crucial in determining whether the country can continue to be a place where Jews feel safe. Robert Cohen predicts that the situation on the ground in the Middle East will determine whether the generational divide among British Jews becomes more pronounced. As the community continues to grapple with these challenges, it is clear that the next few years will be crucial in shaping the future of the British Jewish community. The Board of Deputies and other Jewish organizations will need to navigate these complexities and find ways to support and protect their community, while also promoting a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of Jewish identity and Israel.