New London bus links Golders Green, Stamford Hill to help Jews feel safe amid rising antisemitism

Transport authorities in London introduce a new public bus service linking two areas of the capital with large Jewish populations, as antisemitic incidents hit record levels.

London mayor Sadiq Khan says he had been struck by the fear felt by Jews who told him they had received abuse when changing buses to travel between the two areas.

The new 310 service, which began this week, provides a direct link between Golders Green and Stamford Hill, removing the need for passengers to change buses.

The new service is welcomed by Jewish groups.

“In a period where our community is encountering unprecedented anti-Semitism, any measure that bolsters the confidence of Jewish individuals in using public transport is immensely valued,” say co-chairs of the London Jewish Forum Andrew Gilbert and Adrian Cohen.

Khan says the Jewish community has been campaigning for a direct transport link for 16 years.

The Jewish community is “frightened because of a mass increase in antisemitism since October 7 last year” when Hamas attacked southern Israel, he tells BBC radio.

“I was told stories by families who, when they changed buses from Stamford Hill to Golders Green at Finsbury Park, were frightened about the abuse they had received,” he says.

Antisemitic incidents in the UK hit record levels in the first half of this year, according to one Jewish charity.

I promised to introduce the 310 bus route to directly connect Golders Green and Stamford Hill if re-elected—I'm really pleased to have fulfilled that promise. pic.twitter.com/BlzdxPKfpr

— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) September 5, 2024