The United Kingdom's decision to impose sanctions on trade with Israeli settlements has ignited a spectrum of opinions within the British Jewish community. While some view the action as a necessary step, others express deep concern about potential repercussions and the political motivations behind the move.
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, supported by other rabbis in the liberal and progressive UK Jewish communities, believes it is possible to support Israel, be concerned for the safety of British Jews, and deem it right for the UK government to take action to protect both Israelis and Palestinians. However, he also conveyed sadness that the situation had escalated to this point and shared anxieties that the sanctions could be exploited for antisemitism and further demonization of Israel.
Conversely, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, representing the Orthodox community, characterized the sanctions as marking a "truly dark day" and warned that they could place British Jews at increased risk of attacks. This sentiment is echoed in areas like Golders Green, a London neighborhood that has previously experienced violent incidents, including the firebombing of ambulances run by a Jewish medical charity and the stabbing of two visibly Jewish men in what police termed a terror attack earlier this year. Residents there are concerned that the government's actions against Israel could lead to an increase in attacks against British Jews.
Michael Cohen, who works for a Jewish charity, finds the situation complex. "It's so tricky because, in principle, I agree with opposing these new settlements," he told the BBC. However, he added, "The timing of it, I think, was completely... just self interest for the Labour Party, signalling before a by-election, before the party conference." Cohen also suggested the practical impact of the sanctions would be "almost zero."
One woman, who operates a jewelry shop in Golders Green that has been previously cordoned off due to incidents, was highly critical of the sanctions. She stated her intention to "make it my mission" to continue purchasing Israeli goods whenever possible. "We have to [support] our own because no one else is going to," she told the BBC.
As Jewish congregations prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, police are already enhancing security in Jewish areas. These measures are intended to protect communities that have faced multiple attacks this year and fear further incidents. Official figures indicate a one-fifth increase in recorded antisemitic incidents across the UK since the beginning of the year compared to the previous year. The Community Security Trust (CST), an organization providing security support to the Jewish community, recorded 1,926 incidents of anti-Jewish hate in the first six months of 2026. Furthermore, the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that only 44% of hate crime incidents between April 2022 and March 2025 were reported to the police.