British Jews Speak of Safety Concerns Amid Surge in Antisemitic Incidents in London

Key Highlights :

1. Eddie Hammerman and his wife Ronit Tam-Hammerman are worried for their friends and family living in Israel, including relatives in its army.

2. The Israeli infantry launched its first raids into the Gaza Strip on Friday since Hamas militants went on a deadly rampage through southern Israel on October 7.

3. Speaking from his family home in Hertfordshire on Friday, Mr Hammerman, 47, who works in PR, said: "We've got friends and family in Israel, and so there's a big connection with them, with what they're going through."

4. Many of them have been called up to the army, so they will, some of them be on the front line, and we're really concerned, and we feel really helpless here of what we can do for our friends and family and the wider community in Israel who have suffered in this terrible massacre.

5. His wife Ronit Tam-Hammerman, 50, a primary school teacher, has family and friends in Israel, including her mother, brother and his family.

6. "My nephew is called up, my niece is on active duty," she said. "The reality is that we don't know, we just know they are in duty and they are in the army, and you're just worried sick."

7. Mr Hammerman added: "My cousin's out there, their kids are in the army, and they are serving."

8. "Our grandfather was liberated from Auschwitz. And we said then and we still say today, never again. But this never again has happened again, to us."

9. "So as British Jews we experience it generation on generation, we're experiencing the highest number of Jews that's been murdered on one day since the Holocaust, and we carry that as British Jews."

10. When we see people on the streets demonstrating against Israel the day after a massacre, it worries us, it's really concerning for us.

11. "When we hear about the days of rage and three schools close, it's concerning."

12. "We have the support of the British public, we believe."

13. "We have the support of cross-party, Rishi Sunak, and the police and all the politicians have been very supportive."

14. "But when you see people on the streets and when you when you hear calls for global jihad, it worries you, as a British Jew, and we're proud to be British Jews."

     British Jews have expressed deep concern and worry for their safety in the wake of the surge in antisemitic incidents in London since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. The conflict has seen an increase in violent attacks and demonstrations across the city, leaving many British Jews feeling vulnerable and scared.

     The conflict has seen an unprecedented level of violence, with over 2,800 people killed on both sides since Hamas launched an incursion on October 7. This has led to a heightened sense of fear among British Jews, who have been subjected to a torrent of retaliatory air strikes and a 25-mile siege of the Gaza Strip.

     Eddie Hammerman and his wife Ronit Tam-Hammerman, who live in Hertfordshire, are particularly worried for their family and friends living in Israel, including relatives in the Israeli army. Speaking to the media, Mr Hammerman said: “We have the support of the British public, we believe. We have the support of cross-party, Rishi Sunak, and the police and all the politicians have been very supportive. But when you see people on the streets and when you when you hear calls for global jihad, it worries you, as a British Jew, and we’re proud to be British Jews.”

     In Golders Green, an area with a large Jewish population, people echoed his concerns after the Metropolitan Police said there has been a “massive increase” in antisemitic incidents since the latest Israel-Hamas conflict erupted. Many people reported feeling uncomfortable, scared, and disheartened by the reaction of some people to the conflict.

     Rafal, 44, who was working as a security guard outside the nearby Chabad Israeli Centre in Finchley Road, said that two cars had driven past, with “free Palestine” and “f*** Jews” shouted at him from the vehicles. Danny, 72, also of Golders Green, said: “It’s a frightening atmosphere and we are on edge.”

     The Hammermans stressed that “as British Jews, this isn’t a distant war, we feel it.” Mr Hammerman added: “These are our brothers and sisters. We were crying this week. Literally on the line our cousins, brothers, sisters. We’re crying for the hostages, the children, and we’ve prayed for them at services every night this week in synagogues up and down the country.”

     British Jews are determined to remain strong and resilient in the face of these threats, and are grateful for the support of the British public, politicians, and police. As Mr Hammerman said: “We walk around with our heads held high.”

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