Surge in Antisemitic Incidents in UK Following Manchester Synagogue Attack
Published 11 February 2026
Highlights
- Antisemitic incidents in the UK surged following the Manchester synagogue attack on October 2, 2025, with 80 incidents recorded over two days.
- The Community Security Trust (CST) reported 3,700 antisemitic incidents in 2025, marking a 4% increase from 2024.
- The Manchester attack was the first fatal antisemitic terror incident in the UK since 1984, resulting in two deaths and three injuries.
- 2025 saw the highest recorded number of incidents involving damage to Jewish property, with 217 cases.
- Government officials and CST leaders expressed concern over the rising extremism and its impact on British society.
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Rewritten Article
Title: Surge in Antisemitic Incidents in UK Following Manchester Synagogue Attack
Antisemitic incidents in the UK have seen a significant increase following a deadly attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on October 2, 2025. The Community Security Trust (CST), an organization dedicated to safeguarding British Jews, reported that 80 antisemitic incidents occurred over the two days surrounding the attack, marking the highest daily totals of the year.
Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath
The tragic event at the Manchester synagogue, which coincided with the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, resulted in the deaths of worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. The attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, drove into the synagogue gates and launched a knife assault while wearing a fake suicide belt. This incident marked the first fatal antisemitic terror attack in the UK since the CST began recording such events in 1984.
Rising Antisemitic Trends
The CST's annual report highlighted a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, with 3,700 cases recorded in 2025—a 4% increase from the previous year. This figure represents the second-highest annual total, surpassed only by 2023, which saw a spike following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Notably, 2025 was the first year with over 200 antisemitic incidents recorded each month.
Impact on Jewish Communities
The year also witnessed a record number of incidents involving damage and desecration to Jewish property, with 217 cases reported. These included attacks on homes, vehicles, and synagogues. Mark Gardner, CST's chief executive, described the Manchester attack as the culmination of "two years of intense anti-Jewish hatred," further exacerbating the extremism faced by Jews and British society.
Government and Community Response
In response to these alarming trends, Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, emphasized the government's commitment to providing record funding for the security of Jewish communities. Meanwhile, Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, condemned the rise in hatred and extremism, calling it "morally wrong."
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Scenario Analysis
The surge in antisemitic incidents following the Manchester synagogue attack underscores the persistent threat of extremism in the UK. As the government increases funding for community security, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of antisemitism and promote social cohesion. Experts suggest that fostering dialogue and education about diversity and tolerance could play a crucial role in mitigating hate crimes. Additionally, the CST's ongoing monitoring and reporting efforts remain vital in understanding and combating antisemitism in the UK.
Antisemitic incidents in the UK have seen a significant increase following a deadly attack on the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on October 2, 2025. The Community Security Trust (CST), an organization dedicated to safeguarding British Jews, reported that 80 antisemitic incidents occurred over the two days surrounding the attack, marking the highest daily totals of the year.
Attack Details and Immediate Aftermath
The tragic event at the Manchester synagogue, which coincided with the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, resulted in the deaths of worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. The attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, drove into the synagogue gates and launched a knife assault while wearing a fake suicide belt. This incident marked the first fatal antisemitic terror attack in the UK since the CST began recording such events in 1984.
Rising Antisemitic Trends
The CST's annual report highlighted a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, with 3,700 cases recorded in 2025—a 4% increase from the previous year. This figure represents the second-highest annual total, surpassed only by 2023, which saw a spike following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Notably, 2025 was the first year with over 200 antisemitic incidents recorded each month.
Impact on Jewish Communities
The year also witnessed a record number of incidents involving damage and desecration to Jewish property, with 217 cases reported. These included attacks on homes, vehicles, and synagogues. Mark Gardner, CST's chief executive, described the Manchester attack as the culmination of "two years of intense anti-Jewish hatred," further exacerbating the extremism faced by Jews and British society.
Government and Community Response
In response to these alarming trends, Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, emphasized the government's commitment to providing record funding for the security of Jewish communities. Meanwhile, Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, condemned the rise in hatred and extremism, calling it "morally wrong."
What this might mean
The surge in antisemitic incidents following the Manchester synagogue attack underscores the persistent threat of extremism in the UK. As the government increases funding for community security, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of antisemitism and promote social cohesion. Experts suggest that fostering dialogue and education about diversity and tolerance could play a crucial role in mitigating hate crimes. Additionally, the CST's ongoing monitoring and reporting efforts remain vital in understanding and combating antisemitism in the UK.
