by Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski

The current environment in the UK is as uncomfortable for Jews as I can remember.  The Community Security Trust’s recent statistics show a colossal increase in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas atrocities in Israel of 7th October 2023.  This horror has played out on the streets, in the workplace and, of course, on social media.  It is especially harsh on many campuses, where some Jewish students are fearful of identifying, extreme anti-Israel rhetoric is the norm, housemates have turned against their Jewish ‘friends’ and intimidation is sadly commonplace.

For the first time in living memory, Jews are wondering if it’s safe to wear visible Jewish signs (such as a kippah head-covering or Star of David) or display a mezuzah (small box containing a scroll) on their front door.  Some are even wondering whether Jews can credibly remain in the UK in this hostile climate.

My late teacher Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks often reminded me that even when it may not seem so, the Jewish people and Israel have many well-wishers from within the Christian community and beyond.  Many individuals have come forward to offer their support, love and commitment to the well-being of Jews, their right to support Israel as a key part of their Jewish identity and to help the Jewish community fight the evil of antisemitism at this very difficult time.

In my own limited experience, I have been approached by politicians, public intellectuals and broadcasters keen to show their support.  I even heard a loud ‘we are with you’ from a delivery man as he sped away on his motorbike.

I am often asked what Christians and members of other faiths (and none) can do to support their Jewish friends and colleagues and to help the Jewish community fight hatred.  Here are a few simple, apolitical suggestions.

1. Check in with Jewish friends and work colleagues.  This can be brief – no more than stopping them at the coffee machine, picking up the phone or sending a message to see how they’re doing.  Acknowledge that it’s a difficult time and tell them you’re thinking about them.   I know that this may sometimes feel awkward, but I assure you that when said sensitively, it is always greatly appreciated. 

2. When you speak to Jewish friends, enquire if they have family or friends in Israel about whom they are concerned.  NB: a significant percentage of British Jews have relatives in Israel and most have friends there.

3. If you encounter anti-Jewish or anti-Israel rhetoric or bullying at work or in a social setting, call it out.  It is inherently antisemitic to demand that a British Jew explain or justify the policies of the Israeli government.  As you’d expect, British Jews hold a wide variety of opinions about Israeli politics, just as they do about every other issue within and beyond our community.

4. Report antisemitic activity at work and public antisemitism / offensive material – such as graffiti or incendiary social media posts – to the police, the Community Security Trust or another appropriate body.  Don’t remain silent in the face of hate.

As always, it is essential that you keep safe and only intervene without putting yourself at risk.  If you fear that a hostile person may become aggressive, do not endanger yourself, but report the incident afterwards.

Many Jewish people currently feel isolated, like unwitting extras in an ugly show they cannot control.  Your friendship and concern – which can be expressed in just a few words – can help ameliorate a very painful situation.

Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski is emeritus rabbi of the Golders Green Synagogue and chief strategist and rabbinic head of University Jewish Chaplaincy.