Anti-Semitic attacks worst in London

1.16.49pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 10th Feb 2005

Regarding today's publication of the Community Security Trust's report on the sharp rise in 2004 of anti-Semitic attacks in the UK, to the highest-ever recorded level, Baroness Sarah Ludford, London MEP and Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman said:

"This timely but shocking report, showing the full extent and appalling rise of anti-Semitic attacks especially in London, is a wake-up call that we all should heed. The situation is completely unacceptable, and reinforces the need for both an effective police response and a shared commitment by the whole British and European community to stop it."

"The report's observation that the fluctuation in anti-Semitic incidents correlates with events in the Middle East is a reminder that political disagreement or condemnation, however passionate or angry, must not slide into prejudiced and racist stereotyping."

The Community Security Trust recorded 532 anti-Semitic attacks in the UK in 2004, 311 (58.5%) of which were in Greater London. The attacks have become increasingly violent and assaults on Jewish people, including in their own homes, now outnumber damage to property. Sickening examples physical assaults on persons include a 12-year old boy on a bus in North in London being kicked repeatedly by a middle-aged man calling him a Jew and a visibly Orthodox man in Stamford Hill being left with his nose broken.

Cases of damage and desecration include arson attacks on synagogues in North and West London, one of which was started by setting Torah scrolls alight, and grossly offensive graffiti. A Jewish organisation in London received hate mail bearing swastikas and entitled "The Holocaust. A Jew Lie".

Sarah Ludford added:

"As was urged in the recent European Parliament Holocaust Memorial resolution on which I led negotiations, an EU response to deal with this Europe-wide challenge is required. It is no good speaking loftily of 'never again' during Holocaust remembrance ceremonies without EU institutions and Member States delivering the lead and the laws to stop incidents of racial and religious hatred, especially anti-Semitism."

Note: For a copy of the CST report and European Parliament resolution please contact Sarah Ludford MEP's London office.