WJC: Antisemitism rise in the UK “alarming and shocking”
Ronald S. Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress, has reacted to the last report on antisemitism in Britain compiled by the Community Security Trust (CST), which registered a record level of antisemitism in the country.
The CST, a charity that has monitored antisemitism and provided security for the UK Jewish community since 1984, said 1,309 anti-Jewish incidents were recorded nationwide during 2016, up 36 percent from the previous year.
Lauder said: “The 36-percent rise of antisemitic acts recorded by the Community Security Trust in 2016 is alarming and truly shocking. Such levels of antisemitism are unacceptable. It is clear that the problem lies increasingly with some elements of civil society.
“We welcome the commitment made by the British government to do more to fight hatred against Jews and to upgrade safety measures for Jewish institution across the country, including the attribution of more resources, and we know that ministers are aware of the problem.
“A particular effort needs to be made to combat verbal abuse and antisemitic incitement on the internet.
“As we have seen in France, where antisemitism fell last year, it is possible to achieve positive results in this field if the problem is tackled with the necessary political determination,” declared Lauder.
Jonathan Arkush
Jonathan Arkush, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and a vice-president of the World Jewish Congress, responded to the report by saying: “While the UK remains a very good place for the Jewish community, these highest-ever figures are deeply worrying, particularly in light of the fact that there was no single trigger event in 2016.
“It is clear that combating antisemitism will take a concerted effort by the country’s political leadership, government and civil society.
“In these uncertain times, we should strive to make the UK a beacon of a society that abhors racism and champions respect between all its citizens,” Arkush said.
The antisemitism is going to rise more and more. Why? There is no Christianty without Judaism. But the Church has never understood this fact. We have to pray for God´s intervention and for the protection of God´s people all over the world.