Synagogue attack sparks UK antisemitism surge

Published: 11 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Antisemitism in the UK sharply rose after the Manchester synagogue attack, with extremist threats escalating nationwide. The Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation terror attack on 2 October last year left two people dead and three seriously injured, marking the first fatal antisemitic terror incident recorded by the Community Security Trust (CST) since 1984. This synagogue attack triggered a wave of hate incidents that shocked communities across Britain and highlighted ongoing security concerns.

On the day of the attack, the CST logged 40 antisemitic incidents and another 40 the following day. Many of these directly referenced or celebrated the synagogue attack, making October 2025 the worst month for anti-Jewish hate in recent history. Overall, 3,700 antisemitic incidents were recorded last year, slightly higher than 2024 and the second-highest annual total since the organisation began recording. The 2023 figure remained the highest, reflecting tensions following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October and the start of the Gaza war.

Smaller spikes were noted in December after gunmen targeted Jews celebrating Hanukah on Bondi Beach in Sydney. The CST report highlighted how violent incidents abroad can influence antisemitic behaviour in the UK. Mark Gardner, CST chief executive, said, “Two years of intense anti-Jewish hatred culminated in a Jihadi synagogue attack on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. This attack then triggered more antisemitism, showing the extreme risks faced by British Jews and society.”

For the first time, CST recorded over 200 antisemitic incidents every month in 2025. The monthly average reached 308, double the level prior to October 2023. Four incidents involved extreme violence, including the Heaton Park synagogue attack, while 170 were assaults, and 217 involved damage or desecration of Jewish property such as homes, vehicles, schools, synagogues, and businesses. More than 3,000 incidents involved abusive behaviour.

A majority of incidents referenced Israel, Palestine, Hamas, or the ongoing Gaza conflict. Conversely, antisemitic incidents in schools and universities fell, with schools reporting 204 incidents, a 23% drop, and universities reporting a 41% decrease. Football-related incidents rose to 36, including 14 linked to the West Midlands Police ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending an Aston Villa match.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasised that these numbers represent real suffering for ordinary Jewish residents, confirming record government funding to enhance community security. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp warned, “Hatred and extremism cannot continue unchecked. It is morally unacceptable that Jewish citizens no longer feel safe in the UK. Words alone will not suffice; decisive action is required.”

Experts noted that rising antisemitism threatens social cohesion, and community leaders urged authorities to implement long-term strategies addressing online radicalisation and public hate crimes. CST officials stressed that proactive measures, including education campaigns and stronger law enforcement collaboration, are essential to prevent further escalation.

The CST highlighted how international events correlate with domestic antisemitic spikes, showing how one synagogue attack can trigger wider community risks. Recommendations included continuous monitoring of vulnerable communities, increased police presence around synagogues, and public awareness campaigns to combat prejudice.

Jewish community groups are calling for urgent reforms to address antisemitic harassment, advocating better data collection, stricter enforcement of hate crime laws, and enhanced victim support. Analysts also warned that social media often amplifies antisemitic narratives, turning isolated incidents into wider waves of abuse.

While antisemitism increased overall, some progress occurred in schools and universities, reflecting the positive impact of awareness programs and anti-hate policies. Yet the persistence of attacks tied to global conflicts underscores the difficulty of separating domestic community safety from international tensions.

The CST report concludes that while immediate security measures are vital, a long-term, multi-layered approach is needed to tackle antisemitism effectively. Education, law enforcement, digital monitoring, and public engagement must work together to protect Jewish citizens. Without sustained effort, hate crimes risk becoming normalised, threatening community wellbeing across the UK.

As Britain addresses the consequences of the Manchester synagogue attack and rising antisemitism, officials and civil society leaders stress the need for collaboration. Protecting Jewish communities, promoting tolerance, and raising awareness about antisemitism remain urgent priorities for 2026 and beyond.

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