from Religion Media Centre
BBC Panorama examines rising antisemitism in Britain
The BBC News programme, Panorama, broadcast an account of rising antisemitism in Britain and its impact on Jewish communities. A survey by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research suggests that one in five British Jews are thinking about leaving Britain because of the hate crimes against them and their community. Stories were told of a 47 year old woman who has been spat at in the street, branded a “baby killer”, and received a death threat. Now she does not wear her Star of David pendant for fear of attracting more attacks. A midwife in her 60s says it is hard being Jewish in the NHS without feeling a degree of fear even among colleagues. And students report they are shunned in flat shares and when they hold parties, people with stab vests stand guard outside. However, Rabbi Daniel Walker, of the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester which was attacked last October, remains hopeful saying there are good people in society and he prays that society will become a better place. Article here, programme here.
Anti Islam influencer Valentina Gomez banned from Britain
A US-based anti-Islam social media influencer, Valentina Gomez, has been banned from entering the UK to attend next month’s Unite the Kingdom rally being organised by Tommy Robinson. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, cancelled her electronic travel visa because her presence would not be “conducive to the public good”. Gomez, aged 26, born in Colombia and now resident in the US, spoke at the first Unite the Kingdom rally in September last year, claiming “rapist Muslims” were taking over the UK.
Two arrested after attack on synagogue in Harrow
The Met Police say a 17-year-old boy and 19-year-old man have been arrested over an arson attack at Kenton synagogue in Harrow, when a bottle with accelerant was thrown through a window late on Saturday night. There was minor damage, but no-one was injured. The police say there have been 15 arrests in relation to six incidents where premises with Jewish connections were targeted in the last month. A pro-Iranian group has admitted responsibility for some of the attacks and the Met are investigating claims that people are accepting cash for carrying out the attacks instigated by Iranian-linked groups. The security minister Dan Jarvis has given an interview to Jewish News about the outbreak of crime against Jewish communities, assuring them that the government is giving the police necessary resources to find the attackers and bring them to justice. Church of England bishops in London have issued a statement condemning unequivocally the attacks on synagogues and promising their support to Jewish communities working for a London where fear has no authority and hatred finds no shelter.