Almost half of UK Jews avoid visible signs of Judaism due to anti-Semitism: poll

17 January 2021, 4:34 pm

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Members of the Jewish community hold a protest against Britain's opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn and anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, outside the British Houses of Parliament in central London, on March 26, 2018. (AFP Photo/Tolga Akmen)

A recent survey has shown 44% of British Jews avoid visible displays of their Judaism, such as a kippa, a Star of David or other symbols, due to fear of anti-Semitism, The Guardian reports.

That is the highest figure since 2016, according to the poll published by the Campaign Against Antisemitism group and King’s College London.

Nine out of ten respondents say media bias against Israel is fueling persecution of Jews in the UK. Two-thirds are “deeply concerned” by BBC’s coverage of matters related to Jews, and 55% by its alleged mishandling of complaints of anti-Semitism.

However, UK Jews are more optimistic about their future than last year, a figure attributed mainly to Jeremy Corbyn being ousted from the Labour Party. However, 78% believe politicians aren’t doing enough to protect the community.

Some 57% say they feel welcome in Britain, with 18% saying they feel somewhat or very unwelcome.

“Britain’s Jews are back from the brink,” says Gideon Falter, chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism. “This study starkly shows that Labour under Jeremy Corbyn dealt a crushing blow to Jews’ confidence in their very future in this country, and that our community is now beginning to recover.

“But scars remain. Notwithstanding the relief felt by so many, our data shows that nearly half of those who normally wear outwards symbols of their Judaism now feel they have to hide it.”