It’s dangerous to be visibly Jewish in the UK

It s dangerous to be visibly – A noticeable wave of alarm and frustration has swept through the local Jewish community in Golders Green, following another targeted incident just five weeks after the assault on four Jewish charity ambulances. The latest attack occurred as two men exited Hagers Shul Synagogue, leaving the area in disarray. The BBC reports that the accused is a 45-year-old British man of Somali origin, named Essa Suleiman. Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, are currently recovering in stable condition at a hospital. Amid this turmoil, political leaders such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have visited the north-west London neighborhood to voice their dismay, yet the residents here are divided between a sense of resistance and apprehension. Some are considering relocation, fearing for their safety in a country they once considered a haven.

Residents Reflect on a Changing Climate

Edith Binstock, who has called Golders Green home for over seven decades, recalls a time when the area was a sanctuary for Jewish life. The 80-year-old, whose parents were Holocaust survivors, shared her perspective with the BBC: “In my youth, this was the most incredible place to live. Everyone coexisted peacefully, and the non-Jewish neighbors were genuinely welcoming. But in recent years, the atmosphere has deteriorated significantly.” She emphasized that the attack on “people going about their normal business” was deeply unsettling. “Why must we live like this? My son is part of Hatzola, the volunteer emergency medical service, and my two nephews are also members. They’d risk their lives to save anyone, even someone armed with a knife. I don’t know how we arrived at this point, and I’m unsure when it will improve. I’m doubtful it will.”

“This culture is what I know,” said David Baddiel, a local resident. “I’m British, not Israeli. My family, my community, my friends are all here. But I’m starting to think that leaving is the only option.”

Baddiel, who has contemplated departure for a year, told the BBC that the situation has become intolerable. “I’ve been weighing the decision for a while. Every time I think about it, I arrive at the same conclusion: yes, we need to go. There are others making the same choice, and I believe more will follow.” He expressed concern over the government and police’s perceived inaction. “If people feel the authorities aren’t protecting us, they’ll eventually decide to leave.” When asked if the thought of leaving would bring sadness, Baddiel admitted it would. “This is where my roots are, where my family and friends are. It’s not what I want, but it’s what I have to do.”

Concerns Over Antisemitism and Perceptions

Jenny Manson, co-chair of Jewish Voice for Liberation (previously Jewish Voice for Labour), described the recent double stabbing as “absolutely terrifying.” She highlighted the random nature of the attack, stating: “The victims were two individuals who simply identified as Jewish, with no apparent link to the current anger directed at Israel. It’s deeply concerning that such criticism is being conflated with antisemitism.” Manson, who is secular, expressed fear for her husband and family members who attend synagogues. “I don’t go to synagogue myself, but some of my relatives do. Now, I think it’s becoming increasingly perilous to be visibly Jewish.”

“I’ve never felt fear in this country before, but after these events, I’m beginning to question whether it’s safe to stay.”

Manson also pointed to a long-standing narrative that has been reinforced by government and media, linking criticism of Israel with broader antisemitism. “This trend has been building for a while, and it’s now clear how dangerous it has become. Many people now believe that all Jews support Israel, which is a significant shift from the past.” Her comments underscore a growing anxiety that the attacks are part of a larger pattern of hostility, not just isolated incidents.

Golders Green, a historic Jewish neighborhood, has seen a series of attacks that have shaken its foundations. The ambulances, which are crucial for emergency services, were targeted in a previous incident, and the recent stabbing has only intensified the sense of vulnerability. For those who have lived here for generations, the transition from safety to threat is stark. Edith Binstock’s recollection of a “paradise” transformed into a “worse place” if the community flees, reflects the emotional toll of these events.

The Jewish Voice for Liberation has been vocal about the need to challenge antisemitic sentiments, arguing that criticism of Israel should not equate to hatred of Jews. However, the latest attacks have fueled fears that this line is being blurred. As the community grapples with its identity and security, the question remains: how long can they endure this sense of unease before it becomes permanent?

Golders Green’s residents are now at a crossroads. While some hold onto hope, others are preparing to leave, driven by a belief that the government and police are not adequately responding to the threats. The neighborhood, once a symbol of Jewish resilience, now feels like a battleground. For those like Edith Binstock, the emotional weight of these attacks is profound, as they confront the reality that their home may no longer be safe. The community’s collective memory of a more harmonious past contrasts sharply with the current climate of fear and defiance.

As the situation evolves, the impact on Jewish life in the UK becomes more pronounced. The recent incidents have not only shaken individuals but also highlighted a growing divide within the community. Some, like David Baddiel, see the signs of a new era of persecution, comparing the current atmosphere to the early 1930s in Poland. Others, including Edith Binstock, remain resolute in their belief that the community can overcome these challenges. Yet, the ongoing threat of violence and the conflation of criticism with antisemitism continue to cast a long shadow over Jewish life in the UK.

With political leaders and media attention focused on the events, the Jewish community in Golders Green is left to navigate a complex landscape of fear and resilience. The question of whether the UK can still be a safe place for Jews hangs in the balance, as the attack on “people going about their normal business” serves as a stark reminder of the risks they face. For now, the community stands united in their determination to protect their heritage, even as they prepare for the possibility of relocation.

Additional reporting by Asad Ahmed. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Share your story ideas with hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk.