The Metropolitan Police has initiated a significant security operation across London in anticipation of the Jewish High Holy Days, coinciding with recent UK government sanctions against Israeli West Bank settlements. The period, which begins with Rosh Hashana and concludes with Yom Kippur on September 21, will see an increased police presence and enhanced patrols.
Senior Conservative figures have expressed concern that the timing of the sanctions, announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, could exacerbate anti-Jewish sentiment in the UK. In response, Scotland Yard has intensified its security measures, including deploying additional plain-clothes officers and increasing vigilance at synagogues.
This heightened security follows a deadly attack last year during Yom Kippur, when Jihad Al-Shamie killed two people in a car and knife attack outside a Manchester synagogue. The perpetrator was a British citizen of Syrian origin.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police stated that the force has collaborated with Jewish community leaders, as well as groups like Shomrim and the Community Security Trust (CST), to develop a comprehensive policing plan. A newly established Community Protection Team, focused on combating antisemitism in North-West London, will be a key component of this year's operation, conducting high-visibility patrols and providing an enhanced response to hate crime reports.
Det Ch Supt Luke Williams acknowledged the impact of recent antisemitic incidents on the community and emphasized the police commitment to bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring a visible presence throughout the High Holy Days. "We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and to providing a visible and effective policing presence throughout the High Holy Days," Williams said. "If you see our officers while attending services or community events, please do speak to them about any concerns you may have. We are here to support you."
The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the security reinforcement but called for a clearer government strategy to address the underlying causes of rising antisemitism. "We have yet to hear the Prime Minister articulate a theory of why antisemitism has surged over the past three years. Perhaps then the Government can present a plan for actually tackling it," a spokesperson said.
The sanctions against West Bank settlements, which include banning imports and prohibiting companies from assisting in the construction or sale of properties in these areas, have drawn sharp criticism from Israel and some British Jewish community leaders. Britain's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, called the trade ban "gesture politics" that would "further embolden those, at home and abroad, who use hatred as a weapon against Jews." He added that the sanctions "do nothing to advance the cause of peace. Nor do they make anyone safer – quite the contrary."
Foreign Secretary Miliband defended the sanctions, stating, "We all need to do more to tackle antisemitism, but I believe we can do that and stand up for British values." He is a "proud British Jew," he noted.
Shadow foreign minister Alicia Kearns warned that the decision risked inciting "increased hatred against British Jews who the Government owes a duty to keep safe." Kemi Badenoch, another Conservative figure, accused Miliband of "fanning the flames of anti-Semitism at home" and fracturing relations with a key ally.
These developments occur against a backdrop of a reported significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the UK. A study by the J7 Large Communities’ Task Force Against Antisemitism indicated that anti-Jewish attitudes are becoming "more widespread" and that Jewish communities worldwide are confronting levels of antisemitism unprecedented since World War II. While incidents saw a decrease in some countries following peaks in 2024, they remain elevated compared to pre-October 7, 2023, levels.