Antisemitic incident figures rise in Yorkshire despite national lockdown drop with Leeds being hot-spot for assaults and threats

Figures from the Community Security Trust (CST) show a doubling in West Yorkshire incidents, which include assault, abusive behaviour and threats, from 38 in 2019 to 76 in 2020.

South Yorkshire saw a five-fold increase, from four incidents reported in 2019 to 20 in 2020, and North Yorkshire’s incidents rose from five to 14. Police in North Yorkshire say they've seen an increase in far-right symbols being displayed in the county.

The CST, a charity which represents the Jewish community on policing bodies, said the rise in figures may reflect better reporting of incidents between themselves and the police.

Leeds was a hot-spot for antisemitic incidents, coming fourth in the country for the number reported after London, Manchester and Gateshead in Northumbria.

There were 41 cases of antisemitic abusive behaviour reported in Leeds, five assualts, three cases of threats being made and one instance of damage and desecration to property.

CST works closely to with police to act as a third party reporter and providing assistance to victims of antisemitic hate crime.

Nationally, 1688 incidents of antisemitism were reported, a fall of 8 per cent from 2019.

The charity attributed the fall in figures to lockdown restrictions with fewer incidents reported at Jewish schools and synagogues.

But the CST said they have seen an increase in online events on Zoom and other platforms being hijacked by antisemitism during the pandemic.

Some nineteen events have been hijacked, and the CST have introduced specialist security advice to prevent further incidents.

There was also concern expressed by the CST about the number of antisemitic incidents from conspiracy theorists falsely alleging that the virus was created by Jewish people.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “It is shameful that in the 21st century, the Jewish community still faces racist abuse and the desecration of their synagogues and other religious and community sites.

“As Home Secretary, I will continue my work across Government and with the police to tackle hate crime and ensure perpetrators are rightly punished.”

Leeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton said: "Last month we marked Holocaust Memorial Day, when we were reminded once again what antisemitism can lead to. These statistics are deeply worrying and show that antisemitism is shockingly still rife in our city today.

"It’s incumbent upon us all, of every faith or of none, to work together in order to stamp out this vile hatred immediately. We must challenge it whenever and wherever it occurs and I will continue to work with our vibrant Jewish community in Leeds to tackle this hatred head on.”

National Policing Lead for Hate Crime, Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: The Covid-19 pandemic has dominated and disrupted so many lives and has provided a new focus for historic hostilities.

“We have observed that the conspiracy theories that have affected many communities often include antisemitic tropes. This presented us new challenges in 2020 and, as we’ve come to expect, CST is able to help others to stay safe, as well as the Jewish community.”

Sergeant Amanda Hanusch-Moore, from North Yorkshire Police’s Partnerships Hub, said: “We are seeing an increase in incidents and it is encouraging that they are being reported directly to the police.

“The majority relate to far-right symbols being displayed in public areas around the county.

“We have also had complaints of people using antisemitic hate speech, not necessarily to members of the Jewish community, but to denigrate and insult other people in general.

“North Yorkshire Police reports any kind of incident with an antisemitic element to the Community Security Trust, to Prevent Officers if there are concerns regarding a person becoming involved in far-right extremism, and to Neighbourhood Policing Teams to link in with local synagogues if this is required.

“We strongly urge anyone who feels they are a target of far-right antisemitic hate to report it to the police on 101 or dial 999 if in immediate danger."

A statement from West Yorkshire Police said: “West Yorkshire Police was praised in 2018 by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services for our approach to hate crime, and the force has undertaken considerable further work since with partner agencies like the Community Security Trust, to encourage reporting of incidents and ensuring that these are investigated appropriately.

“We recognise the impact hate crime can have on individuals and communities, and our joint campaign with the Police and Crime Commissioner of West Yorkshire - ‘Hate Hurts’ - is aimed at raising awareness of hate crime and hate incidents, so people know how to report them when they occur."