Massive rise in antisemitism since October 7 attacks, says Jewish group leader

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A “massive rise in antisemitism” has been reported since the October 7 attacks, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews said.

One year on from the Hamas attacks in Israel, Phil Rosenberg said the rise in antisemitism has reached 500% over what they have seen in previous years.

Asked on LBC how his life has changed in the last 12 months, he said: “For us, it’s been October 7 every single day for the last year. So many of us in the UK Jewish community have friends and family who are affected.”

He added: “At the time, we might have thought we would have sympathy and solidarity; unfortunately, (we’ve) seen a massive rise in antisemitism, times 500% over what we had seen in previous years.

“So it’s been a conflict that’s really hit home very hard.”

Asked how safe he feels, Mr Rosenberg said: “It is tricky. I mean, people shout things at me in the street when I go about wearing a skull cap, a kippah, it does feel like a difficult time.”

Monday is one year since the Hamas attacks in Israel, which triggered Israel’s subsequent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Commemorative events remembering October 7 took place across the UK on Sunday, as thousands gathered in London’s Hyde Park and memorial ceremonies were held in Manchester and Leeds.