British Jews Asylum Considered Amid Rising UK Antisemitism

Published: 19 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The United States is reportedly considering granting British Jews asylum due to rising antisemitism across the United Kingdom. According to the Telegraph, Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, Robert Garson, has discussed with the US State Department the possibility of offering refuge to British Jews who fear for their safety. Garson, a former UK barrister now based in the US, said he believed Britain is no longer a safe environment for Jewish communities, citing recent attacks on synagogues and escalating antisemitic rhetoric. The proposal, he said, aims to provide protection for a highly educated, English-speaking population.

Garson explained that the UK’s Jewish community has been significantly affected by violent incidents and widespread antisemitism following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. He said mass protests in the UK, ostensibly opposing Israeli military actions, often targeted Jews and created an atmosphere of fear. “When I look at what is happening to Jews in Britain, I see no future for them,” Garson told the Telegraph. He attributed much of the current climate to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s perceived failure to address antisemitism effectively.

In interviews, Garson has described the hostile environment in Britain as increasingly unsafe for Jewish people. He highlighted violent attacks on synagogues, threats against individuals, and public demonstrations that he said included antisemitic chants. “The UK is no longer a safe place for Jews,” he said, underlining that the US could provide an immediate sanctuary for those wishing to leave. Garson emphasized that offering British Jews asylum could safeguard a community that is educated, professional, and culturally significant.

Garson has previously spoken out against anti-Israel protests in the US, calling them “marauding mobs” and accusing participants of disguising antisemitic intentions under the guise of legitimate demonstration. In his discussions with the US government, he suggested that British Jews asylum could serve as a vital lifeline for those facing threats in the UK, ensuring safety and continuity for families at risk.

The idea of granting British Jews asylum is reportedly being reviewed internally by the Trump administration. Garson has raised this with Yehuda Kaploun, Trump’s special envoy on antisemitism, in his capacity as a board member of the US Holocaust Memorial Council. The proposal reflects growing concerns about global antisemitism and the increasing number of Jews feeling unsafe in historically secure regions such as the UK.

Recent research underscores these fears. A 2025 survey by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research found that 35% of British Jews reported feeling unsafe, a substantial increase from 9% in 2023. The survey also showed nearly half of British Jews view antisemitism as a “very big” problem, highlighting a sharp rise in both perceived threat and social hostility toward the community.

Garson emphasized that demographic changes and the political climate in Britain contribute to a lack of confidence among Jewish citizens regarding their long-term security. He suggested that offering British Jews asylum could provide a stable environment for families seeking safety from antisemitic threats. “For me, that is particularly sad,” he noted, reflecting on the growing migration considerations for British Jews.

The Trump administration has previously indicated plans to limit refugee admissions in 2026 to only 7,500 individuals, primarily prioritizing white South Africans. How British Jews might be accommodated within these figures remains unclear, but Garson suggested that the Trump administration could make exceptions based on the unique threats facing the Jewish population.

Garson’s proposal has sparked debate in the US and the UK. Supporters argue that it is a humanitarian measure designed to protect a vulnerable minority, while critics suggest it politicizes migration and could strain international relations. Nonetheless, the proposal highlights growing concerns about antisemitism in the UK and the potential role of the United States in providing safe refuge.

The situation also raises questions about the responsibilities of national governments in protecting minority populations. Analysts note that Britain’s Jewish community, historically integrated and contributing significantly to society, is facing unprecedented pressures that challenge both domestic policy and international human rights commitments.

As discussions continue, British Jews contemplating relocation are evaluating their options, weighing cultural ties against personal safety. Garson’s involvement underscores the political significance of the proposal, connecting refugee policy, antisemitism awareness, and strategic international relations. The potential asylum plan may set a precedent for how governments respond to minority persecution in increasingly polarized global environments.

While the White House has not publicly commented, the Telegraph report emphasizes that internal deliberations are ongoing, with considerations involving legal frameworks, international obligations, and the moral imperative to protect persecuted communities. Observers suggest that any decision will be closely watched worldwide, both for its humanitarian impact and its geopolitical implications.

The asylum proposal aligns with broader discussions about antisemitism in Europe, reflecting increasing concern among policymakers and community leaders regarding the protection of Jewish populations. Garson’s statements bring attention to a perceived deterioration of security for British Jews, prompting debates over national responsibility, international intervention, and the ethical dimensions of refugee admissions.

Overall, the potential US asylum initiative represents a significant development in transatlantic relations and minority protection. It highlights growing anxieties within the Jewish community about safety and inclusion, while also underscoring the complexities of international refugee policy amid rising global antisemitism.

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