Met set up specialist unit as antisemitic hate crime in London hits two-year high
Summary
The Metropolitan Police in London reported a rise in antisemitic hate crimes in April, reaching the highest monthly number in two years. In response, they are creating a new unit called the community protection team, which will include extra officers combining regular local policing with abilities to handle terrorism threats, aiming to better protect Jewish communities.Key Facts
- In April, London recorded 140 antisemitic hate crimes, up from 98 in March and 67 in February.
- Over one-third of the incidents happened in Barnet, a borough with many Jewish residents.
- Reported crimes included attempted arson attacks on a synagogue and a Jewish charity’s former premises, and a double stabbing under terrorism investigation.
- The Metropolitan Police’s new community protection team will focus on ongoing local presence and partnerships rather than short-term increases in officers.
- Hate crimes rose sharply after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, with over 500 incidents in that month alone.
- The UK government held an antisemitism summit with promises to increase funding for Jewish security and require universities to report antisemitism cases.
- Jewish community leaders welcomed these efforts but asked for stricter laws and faster police action against hate crimes.
- A rally called “Standing strong – extinguish antisemitism” is planned for 10 May in central London.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.