Antisemitism in UK surges since Iran war began: Jewish charity

Antisemitic incidents in the UK rose by 21% in the first six months of 2026, with a Jewish charity linking the surge to heightened tensions during the US-Israel war with Iran.

The Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 1,926 anti-Jewish hate incidents between January and June, up from 1,598 during the same period in 2025, making it the second-highest first-half total on record.

The incidents included assaults, arson attacks and the stabbing of two Jewish men in London’s Golders Green in late April. The CST said 71 antisemitic incidents were reported in the three days following the attack, with several posts glorifying the violence or promoting anti-Jewish conspiracy theories.

The report also highlighted attacks claimed by the Iran-linked group Harakat Ashab Al-Yamin Al-Islamia (HAYI), including the torching of four ambulances belonging to Jewish emergency service Hatzola in March. The UK sanctioned HAYI in July, while officials accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Qods Force of backing the group’s activities in Britain.

CST chief executive Mark Gardner said the attacks targeted not only British Jews but also “Britain and our society.” Policing minister Sarah Jones described the figures as “appalling” and said the government was investing a record £250 million to strengthen policing in Jewish neighbourhoods.

The CST noted that antisemitic incidents have remained at elevated levels since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.