Navigating Antisemitism in the Shadow of Israel’s Wars

Amid anger over Gaza, antisemitism is rising – and Islamophobia is too often overlooked, writes Rachel Shabi

Antisemitic violence in Britain has surged in recent months. There have been stabbings on the streets, arson attacks, and assaults on synagogues, which have instilled horror and fear among this country’s small, close-knit Jewish community.

The political response to these attacks has involved right-wing leaders rushing to blame the left and the Prime Minister suggesting a ban on pro-Palestine marches. All this has poisoned the debate – and it is clear that progressives are struggling to navigate the conversation amid the noise.

There should be no doubt that it is antisemitic to direct anger about Israel’s actions towards Jews in Britain. It is also true that the scale of the current antisemitism crisis is related to the gravity of what is happening in the Middle East.