Buckinghamshire Jewish community leader highlights rise in threats and online abuse
Rabbi Dr Neil Janes says he has noticed a rise in antisemitic abuse over recent years.
A Jewish community leader from Buckinghamshire says people have faced threats of violence and a surge in abusive posts online, which is causing "an atmosphere of fear".
It comes as Counter Terrorism Police have confirmed that they are investigating a series of arson attacks and incidents that have occurred in London over recent days.
Rabbi Dr Neil Janes from South Bucks Jewish Community, says antisemitism is not just affecting London but also people locally, saying some have been subjected to “threats of violence” and “posts online”.
He said: “Probably almost every child in the community, at some point, has felt some kind of uncertainty at school over their position. That's not necessarily a direct expression of anti-Semitism, but there's certainly a discomfort over how safe or how comfortable they feel.
“And when graffiti is painted in towns, whether that's ‘death to Jews’ or swastikas, it makes the community feel anxious. That's not a direct attack on one person, it's an atmosphere of fear that is generated that we won't be cowed by and we won't be forced into hiding over.”
Rabbi Janes also says the community has increased vigilance, he said: “The vast majority of people in the area show great support for the Jewish community, but it doesn't take more than one person to… commit some kind of crime that would be devastating.
“So we have to be vigilant and take necessary steps to protect ourselves.”
On Monday, Dan Jarvis the Minister of Security said: “Attacks on British Jews are an attack on all of us, and we will do whatever it takes to stop the cowards and thugs who seek to intimidate our Jewish communities.
Adding: “We will never tolerate hostile activity on British soil. Alongside the police and our world leading security and intelligence agencies, we will do what is necessary to keep our citizens safe.”