Great Britain Table of Contents

The Jewish experience in the United Kingdom [England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland] is one of the longest in the world. Anglo-Jewry faced increasing persecution from its entrance into England in 1066 until the expulsion of 1290. Once Jews returned in the 16^th century, however, they became more and more integrated into society. England was, for a time, one of the most religiously tolerant countries in Europe. British Jewry received formal emancipation in 1858 and has continuously grown larger and more robust. Today, the Jewish population in the United Kingdom stands at approximately 312,000 - the fifth-largest Jewish community in the world.

Entrance & Persecution (1066-1189)
Massacre at York & Beyond (1189-1194)
Rule of Henry III & Baron Wars (1217-1290)
Expulsion of 1290
Readmission
Emancipation
The 1900s
Modern Jewish Community
UK-Israel Relations
Relations With the Royal Family
The Church Repents
Anti-Semitism
Labour Party Controversy
Jewish-Muslim Relations

Entrance & Persecution (1066-1189)

Individual Jews lived in England during Roman and Anglo-Saxon times (80-1066 A.D.), but they did not have an organized community. When William the Conqueror arrived in England in 1066, he encouraged Jewish merchants and artisans from northern France to move to England. The Jews came mainly from France, with some from Germany, Italy, and Spain, seeking prosperity and a haven from anti-Semitism. Serving as special representatives of the king, these Jews worked as moneylenders and coin dealers. Throughout a generation, Jews established communities in London, York, Bristol, Canterbury, and other major cities. They generally lived in segregated areas by themselves. However, until 1177 only one Jewish cemetery was allowed to be established in London.

During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church considered usury, or lending money for interest, a sin. Therefore, Christians were forbidden to work as moneylenders, and Jews were called to that occupation and were able to set high interest rates. They played a vital role in maintaining the British treasury, and for a time, the Crown watched over the Jewish financiers and their property, though they also taxed them onerously. Disputes between Christian clerics and Jews in this period were supposedly encouraged by William Rufus (1087-1100). Another influential English figure was Henry I (1100-1135), who granted the Jews a charter of liberties.

Jews still faced persecution and were not fully protected by the Crown. In 1130, the Jews were fined 2,000 pounds on the charge that a Jew had killed a sick man. The first record of Jews in Oxford is from 1141 when they were caught in the political infighting of two sides warring for the throne. In 1144, the first blood libel charge of ritual murder was brought against the Jews of Norwich. During Passover, the Jews were accused of torturing a Christian child named William, using his blood for the Passover Seder, and eventually killing and burying him. Christians attacked Jewish settlements in retaliation. Despite Pope Innocent IV’s protests about the ridiculousness of these allegations, the image of a murderous Jew out to hurt Christians developed in the public mind. These charges were repeated in Gloucester (in 1168), Bury St. Edmunds (1181), Bristol (before 1183), and Winchester (1192).

In 1189, the Third Crusade was launched. The Jews were taxed much more than the rest of England to finance this Crusade. Even though Jews comprised less than 0.25% of the English population, they provided 8% of the royal treasury's total income. Despite the Jews’ financial contribution, the Crusade's pro-Christian ideology resulted in rioting in England, and some Jewish businesses in London were burned.

Massacre at York & Beyond (1189-1194)

One of the most notorious riots led to the massacre of the Jews of York. Jews have lived in York since 1170. They felt they could use York Castle for protection and felt secure among York’s elite residents, who enjoyed Jewish financial services. The situation worsened in July 1189 when King Henry II, a protector of the Jews, died. Richard I was crowned his heir, and he refused to grant Jewish representatives admission to Westminster Abbey when they came to offer him gifts. Riots were started, and mobs threw stones at the Jews and burned the straw roofs of their houses. Many Jews were murdered, and some allowed themselves to be baptized. Twenty-four hours later, Richard I found out about the riots and ordered that the Jews be protected.

When Richard I left to join the Crusade in 1190, riots began again throughout England. On March 16-17,1190, a mix of Crusaders, barons indebted to the Jews, those envious of Jewish wealth, and clergymen rioted in York. They burned several houses, and approximately 150 Jews fled to the royal castle in York. Led by Richard Malebys, a noble indebted to the Jews, the mob besieged the castle. The Jews had little rations, and many killed themselves. On March 16, the citadel was captured, and those Jews left alive were murdered. The mob then stole the records of debts to Jews from a nearby cathedral and burned them.

When Richard I returned to England, he was angry at losing his chief financial source. He introduced a system of registering in duplicate all debts held by the Jews to safeguard all the taxes he received from them. In 1194, he established the Exchequer of the Jews, a catalog of all Jewish holdings in England. The Crown could then arbitrarily collect taxes on Jewish revenue. The Jews were forced to respond to this exploitation by charging higher interest rates, thereby increasing their unpopularity with Christian borrowers. Richard’s successors continued to tax the Jews in every way possible. Payment was forced through imprisonment, property confiscation, torture, and the kidnapping of women and children.

Rule of Henry III & the Baron Wars (1217-1290)

In 1217, the English Jews were forced to wear yellow badges in the form of two stone tablets identifying them as Jews. The Synod of Oxford held by the Church of England in 1222 forbade social interactions between Jews and Christians, placed a specific tithe on Jews, banned Jews from some professions, and prevented them from building new synagogues.

From the start of Henry III’s reign in 1232, life went downhill for the Jews. By the mid-thirteenth century, more than one-third of the circulated coins in England were controlled by a few hundred Jews, leading the king to levy upon them untenable rates of taxation and creating rampant anti-Semitism. In 1232, the king confiscated a newly built London synagogue, and in 1253, a decree was issued forbidding the Jews to live in towns that did not have an established Jewish community.

In 1255, the Jews were once again accused of blood libel. A Christian boy, Hugh of Lincoln, chased a ball when he fell and drowned in a Jewish cesspool. His body was found 26 days later when a large Jewish congregation was gathered in Lincoln for a prominent rabbi’s wedding. Some Christians speculated that the boy was killed during a ritual ceremony, and 100 Jews were executed.

On January 31, 1253, Henry ordered Jewish worship in synagogues to be held quietly so that Christians would not have to hear it when passing by. In addition, he forbade Jews from employing Christian nurses or maids and prevented other Jews from converting to Christianity. Conditions became so bad in 1255 that Jews volunteered to leave. However, their request was turned down by Henry, who considered the Jews royal property.

During the Barons Wars of 1263, the Jews were seen as instruments of royal oppression, and between 1263 and 1266, one Jewish community after another was ransacked, and many of its inhabitants were killed. In 1265, the Crown started dealing with Italian bankers, minimizing their dependence on the Jews for financial services. In 1269, the Crown further restricted Jewish rights. Jews were not allowed to hold land, and Jewish children could not inherit their parents’ money. When a Jew died, his money reverted to the government. In 1275, Queen Eleanor deported Cambridge’s Jews to nearby Norwich. Also, in 1275, Edward I issued the Jewish Affairs Bill, forbidding the Jews of England to loan money on interest. They were allowed to earn a living as tradesmen or farmers but were ineligible for membership in tradesmen guilds or tenure as a farmer. The Jews became poor, and the king could no longer collect taxes. In 1278, many were arrested and hanged for secretly continuing their moneylending. On January 2, 1280, Jewish blasphemy of the Church was deemed a capital offense.

Expulsion of 1290

On July 18, 1290, shortly after moneylending was made heretical and illegal in England, Edward I expelled the Jews from England, making England the first European country to do so. Most Jews fled to continental Europe, settling mainly in France and Germany, although some remained in England by hiding their identity and religion. There is disagreement over the number — 4,000 or 16,000 — who were forced to leave England. The Jewish exile from England lasted 360 years.

Readmission

The first evidence of Jews in Tudor England after the expulsion was in 1494. Under Henry VIII and Edward VI, small numbers of Spanish and Portuguese Conversos (Jewish converts to Christianity) worshiped secretly as Jews in London and Bristol. Henry VIII used Jewish scholars to justify his divorce from Catherine of Aragon and his marriage to Anne Boleyn. In 1588, the Converso Dr. Hector Nunes was lauded as a hero for being the first to warn of the sailing of the Spanish Armada.

In 1589, Christopher Marlowe’s anti-Semitic play, The Jew of Malta, was first performed. In 1594, Queen Elizabeth I’s physician, a Converso named Dr. Roderigo Lopez, was implicated in a plot to assassinate Elizabeth. He was tortured, tried, and hanged on what is suspected to be a false charge of treason. Anglo Jewry fled to the Low Countries, often disguised as Spanish or Portuguese Roman Catholics. William Shakespeare’s famous play about a Jewish moneylender, The Merchant of Venice, was first acted out in 1597. In 1609, Portuguese merchants were expelled from London on suspicion of being Jewish. This did not stop the Jews, however, and in the mid-17^th century, a new Converso colony grew in London, made up partly of refugees from Rouen and the Canary Islands.

Historians disagree as to the exact date of the official readmission of Jews to England as well as whether or not Oliver Cromwell granted it. Cromwell came to power in 1649. Some believe he was influenced to readmit the Jews by Rabbi Menasseh ben Israel of Amsterdam, who functioned as a Jewish ambassador to the Gentiles. Menasseh moved to London in September 1655 and, on October 31, submitted a seven-point petition to the Council of State calling for the return of Jews to England. He appealed to Cromwell orally at the Whitehall Conference of December 4-18, 1655, which Cromwell had called to discuss Jewish readmission. Cromwell gave no official verdict, and when many merchants questioned Cromwell’s ideas, he angrily dismissed the conference. Cromwell is believed to have authorized the unofficial readmission of the Jews into England. However, their request was turned down when a few hundred conversos living in England petitioned to establish a synagogue and cemetery in 1656.

The re-establishment of the Jews in England was a gradual process, one that took many years. Jews immigrated to England from Holland, Spain, and Portugal and opened a synagogue in 1657. In 1664, Charles II issued a formal written promise of protection, and in 1674 and 1685, further royal declarations confirmed that statement. In 1698, the Act for Suppressing Blasphemy recognized the legality of practicing Judaism in England.

The following immigrants were German Jews who started a synagogue in 1690. By then, there were about 400 Jews in England. William III knighted the first Jew, Solomon de Medina, on June 23, 1700. In 1701, a Sephardi synagogue at Bevis Marks was opened. A Hebrew printing press started in London in 1705. By 1734, 6,000 Jews lived in England. The Jewish upper class still consisted of brokers and foreign traders, but Jews gradually entered all areas of life. The first Jews were Sephardim, but in 1690 the first Ashkenazi community was formed in London, and soon Ashkenazim established congregations all over England.

Emancipation

In 1753, the Jewish Naturalization Bill (Jew Bill) was issued to give foreign-born Jews the ability to acquire the privileges of native Jews, but it was rescinded due to anti-Jewish agitation. In 1829, Jews began arguing for official equality. The first emancipation bill passed the House of Commons in 1833 but was defeated in the House of Lords. In 1833, the first Jew was admitted to the Bar, and the first Jewish sheriff was appointed in 1835. In 1837, Queen Victoria knighted Moses Montefiore. In 1841, Isaac Lyon Goldsmid was made baronet, the first Jew to receive a hereditary title. Sir David Salomons, London’s first Jewish Lord Mayor, took office in 1855.

In 1858 came the emancipation of the Jews and a change in the Christian oath required of all members of Parliament. On July 26, 1858, the Jewish Baron Lionel de Rothschild took his seat in the House of Commons after an 11-year debate over whether he could take the required oath. In 1874, Benjamin Disraeli became the first (and only) Jewish Prime Minister. By 1882, 46,000 Jews lived in England; by 1890, Jewish emancipation was complete in every walk of life. Since 1858, Parliament has never been without Jewish members. A Hebrew Bible, used whenever a Jewish member takes an oath, sits in the House of Commons treasury box.

Central Synagogue, London, circa 1870

In 1841, the first Anglo-Jewish periodical, The Jewish Chronicle, was founded. It still exists today. In 1855, Jews College, a theological seminary, was started. It is now an affiliate of London University that offers rabbinical training and adult education. A Jewish welfare organization for the poor called the Jewish Board of Guardians (now the Jewish Welfare Board) was created in 1859.

In 1863, Rothschild and Isaac Goldsmith of the Ashkenazic community joined Sir Moses Montefiore of the Sephardim to solidify the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Rabbi Nathan Marcus Adler united all Ashkenazic congregations near London into a United Synagogue and created the chief rabbinate of England.

With a renewal of persecution in Russia in 1881, there was mass immigration from Russia to England. The newcomers settled mostly in urban districts. They virtually created a clothing industry in England. They started Yiddish and Hebrew newspapers, fraternal societies, and trade unions. The communal leadership encouraged their Anglicization through participation in English classes, state-aided schools, and English clubs and youth movements such as the Jewish Lads Brigade. Many became integrated into the community. The Alien Immigration Act of 1905 restricted immigration, but by 1914, about 250,000 Jews lived in England.

In the early 1900s, Jews became active in Conservative and Liberal politics. In 1909, Herbert Samuel became the first professing Jew to serve in the British cabinet. He later became the high commissioner of Palestine.

The 1900s

The xenophobia created by World War I ended Jewish immigration to England and caused some British anti-Semitism. The war also helped many Jewish entrepreneurs by creating a demand for uniform clothing. About 50,000 Jews served in the British military, 10,000 were killed, and 1,596 received awards.

Zionism began in England with the Hovevei Zion movement in 1887. The English Zionist Federation was formed in 1899. England’s Lord Balfour issued the 1917 declaration officially recognizing Jewish aspirations for a homeland. Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann, was also British.

The 1920s were a time of Anglicization of the community. Small Jewish businesses prospered, and Jews became professional lawyers, doctors, dentists, and accountants. Middle-class Jews began joining the upper class at universities, and middle-class communities sprang up in the suburbs.

The 1930s brought an influx of refugees from Nazism and fascism. Approximately 90,000 Jews came from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Italy, and other countries. Many later moved out of Britain; by 1950, about 40,000-55,000 prewar refugees were left. Smaller numbers came after the war from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere. Most Central European immigrants were middle class and brought much capital to Britain with them. They created or transplanted businesses, especially in fashion trades, pharmaceutical production, and light engineering. Other immigrants were professionals, intellectuals, and artists. They strengthened both Orthodox and Reform Jewish life.

There was some fascism in England in the 1930s, and blackshirts led by Sir Oswald Mosley occasionally attacked the Jews. The 1936 Public Order Act helped control violence by banning the wearing of political uniforms. The Jews united to defend against the attacks and also to raise funds to help refugees and support settlements in Palestine.

Anti-fascist demonstrators, including many Jews, clashed with British police on October 4, 1936, in what became known as the Battle of Cable Street. The police were overseeing a march by the British Union of Fascists, led by Oswald Mosley, through an area of London densely populated by Jews. When the fascist marchers arrived at Cable Street in East End, they were stopped by the anti-fascist protestors, and violence broke out between the protestors and the police.

With the start of World War II in 1939, mothers and children were evacuated from London. Many men and women were away from home, serving in the armed forces. In 1940, refugees were subjected to temporary internment. Some Jewish synagogues and institutions were destroyed in bombings. Jewish life continued on a small scale in London, and new communities were formed in the evacuation areas. The Jewish community of Oxford, which had remained small since its founding in 1842, grew with immigrants and evacuees.

During the British mandate, Anglo-Jewry was split on the question of a Jewish state. The entire community was against the White Paper of 1939 that limited Jewish immigration to Palestine. The Zionist groups and the World Jewish Congress were for a Jewish state, but the Anglo-Jewish Association was against it. The groups struggled to balance Jewish national ideals with a desire for British citizenship and equality. After the State of Israel declared independence, the Anglo-Jewish Association adopted a goodwill policy toward Israel while also stressing the responsibilities of Anglo-Jews to Britain. There was some anti-Semitism in England resulting from conflicts between the mandatory administration and the Israeli settlers. However, once diplomatic relations were established between Britain and Israel, normalcy was restored.

An emergency organization had been formed during the war to control children's education dispersed by evacuations. In 1945, a central council for education in England was founded that represented the United Synagogue and other Orthodox institutions. It reopened three schools that had been closed during the war. One, a secondary school, had 1,500 students.

In the 1950s, many Jews moved from closed Jewish communities into the suburbs. The United Synagogue started hiring younger rabbis who tended toward religious flexibility. Conflicts arose between different segments of the community.

In some areas, mobilizing support for Israel was a significant communal and social activity. Increased involvement and support of Israel occurred after the Six-Day War in 1967. Israel’s triumph affected many Anglo-Jews, even those not previously committed to Jewish life.

Modern Jewish Community

Manchester is the bastion of the British Jewish community, with a Jewish population of approximately 30,000. The city has a large population of ultra-Orthodox, who are primarily concentrated in the areas of Prestwich and Broughton Park. The Jewish community has split into different groups. The largest body is the United Synagogue, with more than 35,000 families. The Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations (founded in 1926 and dominated by Hasidic immigrants) and the Federation of Synagogues (founded in 1887 by Russian-Polish immigrants) are on the right. On the left are the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain (1840) and a Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues (1902).

The Board of Deputies of British Jews currently has more than 500 members representing synagogues in London and the provinces. It brings together delegates of all shades of religious and political opinion and is considered the governing body of Anglo-Jewry. It is also taken seriously by the British government. For a long time, it mostly acted to protect Jewish political and civil rights. In the 1930s, with the growth of the British Union of Fascists, it fought fascism. In 1965, it was successful in getting incitement to racial hatred considered an indictable offense. Since 1943, it has remained active in matters concerning Israel. It monitors anti-Semitism and works with other groups to safeguard minority rights. It also supports other commonwealth countries.

The yeshiva at Gateshead is one of the world’s top institutions for Talmudic learning. The Conference of European Rabbis is an Orthodox forum based in London and presided over by the British chief rabbi. The Reform movement set up its rabbinical seminary in 1956, the Leo Baeck College, which attracts students from all over Europe. Many Jewish students attend England’s two largest universities, Cambridge and Oxford.

The Community Security Trust (CST) is responsible for the Jewish community’s security and defense activity, often concentrating on combating anti-Semitism. The United Jewish Israel Appeal and Jewish Care are widely supported among Anglo-Jewry, providing welfare and education to disadvantaged Jews.

Approximately two-thirds of Great Britain’s 350,000 Jews currently live in London. There are large communities in St. Johns Wood (genteel/establishment), Hampstead (intellectual/arty), Golders Green (professional/religious), and Hendon (serious/scholastic). Outside the London borders, suburban communities include Edgware, Stanmore, and Ilford, the last of which has the largest Jewish concentration in Europe. Nearby Stamford Hill contains Hasidic groups and immigrants from India, Iran, Yemen, and North Africa. Other prominent Jewish centers are Manchester, with 30,000 Jews, Leeds, with 10,000 Jews; and Glasgow, with 6,500 Jews.

While England’s Jewish community has declined in recent years due to a low birth rate, intermarriage, and emigration, the 2001 census indicated that there were more Jews than previously thought.

Hampstead is home to Jewish artists, writers, and actors. Sigmund Freud’s last house is located at 20 Maresfield Garden in Hampstead. Walking down Hampstead Heath, one passes the homes of personalities such as Erich Segal, author of Love Story, and the deposed King Constantine of Greece.

Golders Green is the heart of Jewish London, with kosher restaurants, bakeries, butchers, and supermarkets. Golders Green Road contains Jewish bookstores and gift shops. In the area are dozens of synagogues, temples, and shtiebels. Golders Green has the Orthodox Menorah boys school, but most educational institutions are in nearby Hendon. Hendon boasts the Hasmonean and Independent schools and the Jews College and Yakar, a synagogue known for its lecture series.

Finchley is home to the Sternberg Centre, Europe’s largest Jewish community center. It offers Reform religious services and adult education classes ranging from Jewish walking tours to art classes. The center is also home to the London Museum of Jewish Life, which reflects community life in England since 1656 through documents, photographs, and objects. It includes a biblical garden and a Holocaust memorial.

The Board of Jewish Deputies headquarters is in northern London, as are the Jewish Museum, which contains Jewish art and artifacts, and Adler House, the seat of the Chief Rabbi and London Bet Din (Jewish court).

Ilford Synagogue

London is home to many old synagogues. The Central Synagogue on Great Portland Street is a modern structure with 26 stained glass windows representing the Jewish holidays. The Marble Arch Synagogue at 32 Great Cumberland Place is the successor to London’s first Ashkenazic congregation (the original building was destroyed by a German bombardment in 1941). West London Synagogue at 34 Upper Berkeley Street is the oldest Reform congregation in London. It has Gothic features and a Byzantine-style sanctuary.

In the heart of London, there is still a street called Old Jewry, dating from before the expulsion of 1290. At the corner of Threadneedle and Cornhill is the Royal Exchange with murals by Solomon J. Solomon, once president of the British Royal Society of Artists. The southeast corner of the exchange was once known as Jews Walk. Nearby, on St. Mary Axe, is Bevis Marks, the Spanish and Portuguese synagogue finished in 1701. The Cunard Building on Creechurch Lane marks the site of the first synagogue built after Cromwell’s resettlement of the Jews in 1657. Many businesses in the East End are still Jewish-owned, and cemeteries, former synagogues, and open-air markets remain. The former temple at 19 Princelet Street is being converted into a museum of immigrant history.

Many British museums have exhibits of Jewish interest. The British Museum on Great Russell Street contains an Ancient Palestine Room. Their manuscript department holds the original Balfour Declaration. The National Gallery has several of Rembrandt’s paintings of Jewish characters. The National Portrait Gallery has images of Jews from Moses Montefiore to Israel Zangwill. The Victoria and Albert Museum contains various ancient Jewish artifacts. A Holocaust exhibit containing rare items from former concentration and extermination camps was installed at the Imperial War Museum.

Ark at the New West End Synagogue

Ramsgate, near London, is the site of the Montefiore estate where Moses Montefiore lived. The site contains his private mansion and a synagogue that he built. The Montefiores are buried on estate grounds.

Further from London is York, containing Clifford’s Tower, the site of the York massacre of 1190. A memorial stone sits at the site.

England’s educational centers, Oxford and Cambridge, have strong Christian influences, but some Jewish sites exist. The Oxford synagogue, at 21 Richmond Road, is at the site of the original synagogue built in the 1880s. The building was redone in the 1970s, although one wall of the old building remains. The synagogue has both Orthodox and Reform services.

St. Aldate’s Street was once the center of the Jewish area in Oxford. Three of its houses - Moyses, Lombards, and Jacobs Hall, are thought to have been Jewish homes. At the Botanical Garden opposite Magdalen College, a plaque commemorates the site of the old Jewish cemetery.

The Bodleian Library in Oxford contains 3,000 Hebrew manuscripts and 30,000 volumes in Hebrew. It also displays a bronze alms bowl that belonged to Rabbi Yehiel of Paris in the 13^th century. In the Draper Gallery of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum is a collection of antiquities excavated in Jerusalem.

Cambridge’s synagogue is located at Ellis Court. During the school year, students run its services and kosher kitchen. One of Cambridge’s oldest colleges, Peterhouse, stands on land once owned by a Jew. The old Jewish community had two centers. One was within the triangle of St. Johns Street, All Souls Passage, and Bridge Street, while the other was a marketplace where Guild Hall now stands.

The Cambridge University Library has many Hebrew books, including the Schechter-Taylor Geniza Collection, numbering tens of thousands of items. Trinity College and Girton College also have Judaica collections.

In 1231, the earl of Leicester barred Jews from taking up residence in the city and forced landlords to pledge to keep them out. It was not until January 2001 that the Leicester City Council formally renounced the nearly 800-year-old ban on Jews.

The Jewish Chronicle, the Jewish Telegraph, and The Jewish News report on Jewish communal affairs and serve the northern cities. www.totallyjewish.com and www.somethingjewish.co.uk are UK-based websites that carry national and international news.

In 2003, the Jewish Leadership Council was formed, bringing together heads of major national Jewish organizations and key communal leaders to encourage greater contact between communal organizations and leaders and better representation of the community.

The British National Union of Teachers (NUT) stirred up controversy in 2015 when they launched a new education resources package for teachers that delved into themes of Palestinian resistance and the “occupation” by Israel. In the foreword of the educational resource booklet, the general secretary of the NUT writes that the material was “inspired by a union delegation visit [to the Palestinian territories] in 2013.” The educational material contains images of Palestinian children who it says were “assaulted by settlers,” and refers to “Jews” when speaking specifically about Israelis. According to Stand For Peace, an anti-extremism think-tank organization, “NUT’s political propaganda and misrepresentation serves the extremist agenda.”

A study by the London-based Institute for Jewish Policy Research, released in July 2016, provided a look into the marriage preferences of British Jews. According to the findings, the intermarriage rate for British Jews stands at 26%, compared to the intermarriage rate of American Jews, which was 58% in 2013. The study also found that 96% of children with both Jewish parents are being raised Jewish, compared to 31% of children with intermarried parents. Same-sex couples in Britain make up 1.8% of the Jewish population, slightly higher than the national average of 1.6%. Jews are also more likely than any other group in the country to live as a couple rather than alone.

Britain’s Home Secretary Amber Rudd pledged 13.4 million euros to provide guards for Jewish schools, nurseries, synagogues, and colleges around the United Kingdom. The announcement was made on November 30, 2016, following the UK Community Security Trust’s receipt of 924 reports of anti-Semitic incidents, including 86 violent assaults, during the prior year. Rudd stated that she was “forced to act,” by the anti-Semitic incidents, and during a speech to Parliament, assured listeners that the British government “will continue to put in place the strongest possible measures to ensure the safety of [the Jewish] community - and all other communities too.”

The world-famous British Library launched a new website in November 2017, showcasing its vast collection of Hebrew manuscripts. The documents, ranging from Torah scrolls and prayer books to scientific projects, comprise the British Library’s first bi-lingual online collection. Users may search the collection in Hebrew or English. At the time of the site’s launch, approximately half of the Library’s 3,000 Hebrew manuscripts were available for viewing. Workers at the Library have been digitizing the documents and manuscripts since 2013.

In 2023, Grant Shapps became the first Jewish defense secretary since Malcolm Rifkind, who served in the post from 1992-1995.

The Church Repents

The Church of England issued a significant report in 2019, “God’s Unfailing Word: Theological and Practical Perspectives on Christian–Jewish Relations,” which examines anti-Semitism, its role in the Holocaust, and the importance of Zionism for most Jews. The publisher notes the study “is rooted in the belief that the relationship between Judaism and Christianity is a gift of God to the church to be received with gratitude, respect, and care, so that we may learn more fully about God’s purposes for the world. It offers a theological exploration of that relationship that is mindful of the prejudice and persecution experienced by the Jewish community throughout history, not least from the Christian church, and is intended as antidote to antisemitism.”

Three years later, in May 2022, the Church of England apologized for the anti-Jewish laws passed in 1222. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, tweeted: “Today’s service is an opportunity to remember, repent and rebuild. Let us pray it inspires Christians today to reject contemporary forms of anti-Judaism and antisemitism and to appreciate and receive the gift of our Jewish neighbors.”

Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism in England was essentially nonexistent or underground immediately following World War II, as racial hatred of Jews became unacceptable after the recent tragedies of the Holocaust. Since then, the tides of anti-Semitism have ebbed and flowed with international events, with anti-Semitic attacks and sentiments increasing, for example, during and after Operation Protective Edge. Right-wing parties in England have the support of an anti-Zionist and xenophobic base, and right-wing neo-Nazi groups and individuals have taken responsibility for attacks on Jews and Jewish places in England. For example, the 2002 desecration of two synagogues in Wales and East London was attributed to the groups. In these attacks, the perpetrators burned Torah scrolls in the synagogues, scrawled a swastika on the walls, and caused thousands of dollars in property damage.

A committee called the All Party Parliamentary Group Against Anti-Semitism has been active since 2005. In its first report the following year, the group made several recommendations, including suggesting that the Home Office provide greater security for Jewish places of worship and schools, that the police have a service for reporting anti-Semitic incidents, that the Home Office conduct further research and reporting regarding anti-Semitism, and that an investigation be made into the low number of arrests for anti-Semitic incidents.

July 2014 saw a drastic spike in anti-Semitic attacks correlating with Operation Protective Edge. Over 100 attacks occurred, including swastika graffiti on Jewish houses and the beating and subsequent hospitalization of a rabbi. Israeli product boycotts followed, including one branch of the Sainsbury’s grocery store in London removing the entire kosher food section from the store in response to a protest by BDS advocates.

Britain became one of the first countries to embrace a new definition of anti-Semitism, published by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in December 2016. The definition, formally adopted by the IHRA following a conference in May 2016, reads: “Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

According to the 2017 Anti-Semitism Barometer published by the UK Campaign Against Anti-Semitism, 32% of British Jews surveyed said that they agree with the statement in the past two years I have considered leaving Britain due to anti-Semitism. The survey also found that 36% of all British adults still believed in various Jewish stereotypes, and one-fifth of British Jews have doubts about the long-term survival of British Jewry. Government efforts against anti-Semitism needed more support, according to the Jewish community; 64% of British Jews surveyed answered that, in their opinion, not enough was being done to combat and punish anti-Semitism.

On June 13, 2018, at least 30 headstones were smashed and vandalized at the Urmston Jewish Cemetery in Manchester. The cemetery was similarly attacked less than a month prior when vandals toppled and smashed 22 headstones.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) won a landmark case in the Supreme Court on April 29, 2020, in its challenge to the government regulations that restrict Local Government Pension Schemes from divesting from Israeli companies Israel’s detractors accuse of being involved in or profiting from human rights violations.

British Home Secretary Priti Patel told a Conservative Friends of Israel reception on May 16, 2022, that “everything we have seen around the BDS movement is racist.” She also said that she is “quite unapologetic” about the proscription of the Hamas terror group last year, saying that it was “not just the right thing to do, [it was] a moral imperative.”

A few days earlier, the government suspended its relationship with the National Union of Students (NUS) due to reports of anti-Semitism linked to the union. Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said, “I am seriously concerned to hear of so many reports of alleged antisemitism linked to the NUS. Jewish students need to have confidence that this is a body that represents them, and we need to be sure that the student bodies that we engage with are speaking fairly for all students, which is why we are disengaging with the NUS until the issues have been addressed.”

The decision came as the British anti-Semitism watchdog organization the Community Security Trust (CST) reported that the number of anti-Semitic incidents reported by Jewish students and staff hit record levels in 2021 and continued in 2022.

CST’s Antisemitic Incidents Report 2022 recorded 1,652 anti-Jewish hate incidents nationwide in 2022. This was the fifth-highest annual total ever reported to CST and a 27% decrease from the 2,261 antisemitic incidents in 2021, which was a record high sparked by anti-Semitic reactions to the fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in May of that year.

In another study that surveyed 1,314 secondary schools and colleges, anti-Semitic incidents increased by 173% from 2017 to 2022, with a 29% rise in recorded antisemitic incidents in schools between 2020–1 and 2021–2.

A parliamentary task force on Anti-Semitism in Higher Education established by the Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism, Lord Mann, found that it is “commonplace” for Jewish students not to wear “certain clothing or jewelry around campus because it would make them visibly identifiable as Jewish.” Students also said they were reluctant to attend seminars or lectures related to Israel “for fear of personal interrogation.” While they “generally have a positive university experience,” anti-Semitic incidents on campuses “relating to Zionism or Israel” have increased.

The task force said implementing and embedding the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism into all processes is “essential for building trust between Jewish students and staff and their institutions.”

Following the Hamas massacre of Israelis on October 7, 2023, anti-Semitism in Britain reached unprecedented levels. Demonstrations against Israel every week attracted tens of thousands of people. In its annual report, CST said it was the worst year since 1984 when it began keeping track of anti-Semitic incidents. The total for 2013, 4,103, was double that of 2022. Between October 7 and the end of the year alone, CST recorded more incidents than in any prior year. Nearly one-third occurred online. A record high of 266 violent assaults occurred in 2023.

Before the report was issued, the London police had committed to taking stronger action against hate crimes. In one instance, three people who displayed images of paragliders at a pro-Palestinian march in central London were arrested and found guilty of carrying or displaying an article to arouse reasonable suspicion that they are supporters of a banned organization under the Terrorism Act.

The government also pledged $8.8 million in increased funding over three years to address anti-Semitism in schools and universities.

In September 2024, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer committed to making Holocaust education mandatory for all students in England as part of a broader curriculum review. Speaking at a Holocaust Education Trust event, Starmer emphasized the importance of Holocaust education in shaping students’ identities and pledged £2.2 million ($2.5 million) to the Lessons from Auschwitz project, which educates students and teachers through courses and visits to the Auschwitz concentration camp. He also promised to fight anti-Semitism, drawing parallels to his efforts in reforming the Labour Party. Additionally, Starmer vowed to establish a national Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre near Parliament, reinforcing the national significance of Holocaust remembrance and education.

On November 28, 2024, it was reported that anti-Semitic flyers with threatening messages such as “Zionist-free zone” and “Every Zionist must leave Britain or be slaughtered,” written in botched Hebrew, were distributed in Hendon, northwest London, alarming the local Jewish community. StandWithUs UK’s CEO, Isaac Zarfati, emphasized the need for decisive action against these threats, warning that passive responses could encourage further attacks. A Jewish resident urged legal consequences for the perpetrators to ensure community safety, as this incident follows prior anti-Semitic acts, including Nazi symbols defacing a local golf course. London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned such hate crimes, reaffirming that anti-Semitism has no place in the city.

On December 2, 2024, an anti-Semitic attack targeted a bus carrying Jewish students from JFS School in North London. Teenagers from another school threw stones at the bus in Edgware, shouted profanities like “F*** Israel,” and boarded the vehicle to hurl anti-Semitic slurs, including “Israel is trash.” Witnesses described some students fleeing in fear while others cringed inside as the attackers filmed the incident. Despite the severity of the attack, no arrests have been made. The Metropolitan Police are investigating it as a potential hate crime, with support from Transport for London, which is providing CCTV footage. This case highlights the ongoing concerns about rising anti-Semitism in the city.

A December 2024 report by the Community Security Trust (CST) reveals a 117% increase in university-related anti-Semitic incidents in the U.K. over the past two academic years. 325 cases were recorded – 53 in 2022/23 and 272 in 2023/24, the highest ever for a single year. This spike is primarily attributed to a surge in anti-Jewish hatred following the October 7 Hamas attack and subsequent war in the Middle East, creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and staff. CST also noted incidents of extreme pro-Palestinian rhetoric, encampments demanding anti-Israel measures, and calls to exclude “Zionists.” The report recommends universities adopt independent processes for handling discrimination complaints, properly implement the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, and provide staff training. CST, the Union of Jewish Students, and government officials stress the urgent need for action to protect Jewish communities on campuses and combat rising anti-Semitism.

A January 2025 report by the Campaign Against anti-Semitism highlights deep concerns among British Jews, with only one-third believing in a long-term future for Jews in the UK and half considering emigration due to anti-Semitism. Rising anti-Semitic incidents—nearly 2,000 in the first half of 2024—have fueled distrust in authorities, with 84% saying the criminal justice system fails to address anti-Semitism and three-quarters dissatisfied with police handling of anti-Israel protests. Media bias is seen as a significant factor, with 92% criticizing the BBC’s unfavorable coverage of Jewish issues. Political disillusionment is high, with over 70% deeming Labour and the Green Party too tolerant of anti-Semitism. Campus safety is a significant concern, with only 3% confident in universities addressing anti-Semitic incidents. Overall, less than half of British Jews feel welcome in the UK, reflecting what the report calls a betrayal by civil and cultural institutions.

In 2024, the Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, marking a decrease of 18% from the record high of 4,296 incidents in 2023, which was fueled by responses to the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7. Despite the decrease, the 2024 figure remains 56% higher than the third-highest annual total recorded in 2021. A significant portion of these incidents, 52%, included rhetoric related to the conflict in Israel and Gaza. The report also highlights trends in online anti-Semitism, the impact of Middle East conflicts on anti-Jewish hate, and the prevalence of anti-Semitic discourse within political, religious, and ideological contexts.

On February 3, 2025, a Jewish man in Manchester was brutally attacked after attending a prayer service, leaving him fearing for his eyesight in what police are investigating as a hate crime. The victim was struck in the face with a glass object, shattering his glasses and causing severe injuries. At the same time, the attacker reportedly accused him of being responsible for the war in Gaza. While police continue their investigation with no arrests, the Campaign Against anti-Semitism has offered a £5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

An estimated 70,000 people gathered in September 2025 in London for the March Against anti-Semitism, organized by Campaign Against anti-Semitism (CAA), amid what UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis called “an explosion of hatred” across Britain. The event was held as a response to increasing anti-Semitic incidents, particularly after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Government officials were notably absent, which the CAA criticized as a failure to support British Jews. A shofar was blown at the march as a symbolic wake-up call, and a moment of silence honored Hamas’s victims. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Jewish community warned its government that inflammatory statements about Israel could inflame local anti-Semitism and urged it to retract them.

A YouGov-CAA September 2025 poll revealed a sharp rise in anti-Semitic beliefs among Britons: 21% agreed with four or more anti-Semitic statements, double the 2021 level and the highest in a decade. Alarmingly, 45% of Britons—and 60% of 18–24-year-olds—believe Israel treats Palestinians like Nazis treated Jews. The survey also found that nearly half of young respondents are uncomfortable with pro-Israel peers, and almost a fifth felt Hamas’s October 7 attack was justified. The Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 1,521 anti-Semitic incidents in the first half of 2025, the second-highest ever for that period. Critics say young Britons are being radicalized, with growing hostility toward Zionism and Holocaust trivialization.

In the same month, the Russell-Cotes Museum in Bournemouth has postponed a planned exhibition on the local Jewish community due to “potential risks at a sensitive time,” prompting backlash from Jewish groups and commentators who accused the museum of capitulating to anti-Semitic pressure. Originally set to open in November, the exhibit would have covered Jewish life in the region from 1880 to 2020. Critics argue that the museum’s decision contributes to a broader pattern of public institutions retreating from Jewish topics under social and political pressure, especially amid a surge in anti-Semitic incidents linked to discourse around the Israel-Hamas war.

On Yom Kippur, a terrorist attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester left two worshippers dead and four seriously injured after an assailant rammed a car into people and began stabbing them. Police shot the attacker, who wore what appeared to be a suicide vest, which was later deemed non-viable. At the same time, worshippers and security staff managed to barricade the synagogue doors, preventing further tragedy. Authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack, arrested two additional suspects, and heightened security at synagogues nationwide. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, King Charles III, and Israel’s embassy condemned the assault, which occurred amid a surge in anti-Semitic incidents in the UK following the October 7 Hamas attack and the ensuing Gaza war.

After the deadly Yom Kippur attack, the U.K. government urged universities to intensify their efforts against anti-Semitism on campuses. Education Minister Bridget Phillipson said institutions must take full responsibility for eradicating hate, adding that they have her full support to use their authority. She also emphasized teaching young people to recognize and challenge online misinformation. The government recently introduced new rules requiring universities to establish clear reporting systems for harassment. The Community Security Trust reported over 3,500 anti-Semitic incidents last year, Britain’s second-worst total on record. At the same time, new data show Jews suffered the highest rate of religious hate crimes in England and Wales in early 2025.

In October 2025, Dr. Rahmeh Aladwan, a junior doctor training in trauma and orthopedic surgery, was arrested at her home in southern Gloucestershire on charges of stirring up racial hatred and sending malicious communications. The Metropolitan Police stated that the allegations stem from a protest outside the UK Foreign Office, where she called for the eradication of Israel and voiced support for armed resistance groups including Hamas. Police also linked her to online posts from October 7 that endorsed Hamas’s attack on Israel. Aladwan had previously drawn scrutiny from the General Medical Council after posting claims that London’s Royal Free Hospital was a “Jewish supremacy cesspit.”

Later that month, Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group and West Midlands Police banned Maccabi fans from attending their November 6 match against Aston Villa, citing public safety concerns related to potential protests. Later, Maccabi announced it would decline any away ticket allocations, citing a “toxic atmosphere” and prioritizing fan safety, while expressing gratitude for UK efforts to ensure security. The British government said it was “deeply saddened” by Maccabi’s decision but respected it, condemning the weaponization of the match and affirming that anti-Semitism and extremism would not be tolerated.

The following month, anonymous activists in Birmingham plastered the city with “Zionists not welcome” posters and Palestinian flags ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match between Aston Villa and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv. The masked group, dressed in black, displayed signs accusing Israelis of “shooting babies in Gaza” and urged people to “call the anti-terror hotline” if they saw a Zionist. Lord Austin condemned the incident as a “hate crime against Jews” and called for immediate police action. West Midlands Police deployed 700 officers, including mounted units and drones, to secure the event. The controversy follows Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group decision to ban Maccabi fans on safety grounds, despite opposition from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch. Labour peer Lord Mann dismissed reports claiming Maccabi fans were “experienced fighters” linked to the IDF, calling them fictitious. Politicians, including Lord Austin and Shadow Sports Minister Louie French, denounced the atmosphere of “extremism and antisemitism” surrounding the match, warning that British sport must not become a platform for hate.

A November 2025 poll by the More in Common think tank found that 45% of Britons believe the UK is now an unsafe place for Jewish people, compared with 37% who feel the same about Muslims and 24% who think it is unsafe for them. At the same time, six in ten Britons worry about rising anti-Semitism due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The report notes that since October 7, 2023, many British Jews have felt targeted for their real or perceived views on Israel or simply for being Jewish. It also highlights growing polarization, with right-leaning Britons more concerned about anti-Semitism and left-leaning Britons more concerned about Islamophobia, alongside troubling levels of anti-Semitic attitudes, including 19% saying Jews have too much power in the media and 28% saying Jews are more loyal to Israel than to Britain.

The following month, British police announced a ban on the use of the chant “globalize the intifada” at protests, saying the phrase now constitutes incitement in the current security climate and warning that its use would trigger enforcement action. Hours later, two people were arrested for racially aggravated public order offences after allegedly shouting intifada-related slogans at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London, with additional arrests made for related public order violations. The Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police said recent violent attacks against Jewish communities, including a mass shooting in Sydney and a synagogue attack in Manchester, had altered the context and justified stricter measures, including increased patrols and protections around synagogues. Jewish leaders welcomed the move as a necessary response to hateful rhetoric. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed expanded funding for Jewish security and announced a review of protest and hate-crime laws.

Labour Party Controversy

In July 2018, Britain’s three largest Jewish newspapers published the same front-page editorial warning of the threat to British Jewry posed by a government led by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. “The stain and shame of anti-Semitism has coursed through Her Majesty’s Opposition since Jeremy Corbyn became leader in 2015,” the papers concluded. This came after months of controversy over the past and present activities and statements by Corbyn and other party members that were anti-Israel, sometimes outright anti-Semitic, and frequently insensitive to the concerns of the Jewish community.

Corbyn was criticized for attending events organized by Holocaust deniers, questioning the removal of an anti-Semitic mural, and membership in multiple Facebook groups where anti-Semitic comments had been made. On January 27, 2010, Holocaust Memorial Day, Corbyn hosted an event in British Parliament where he compared Israeli actions in Gaza to Nazi atrocities during the Holocaust. In a 2011 interview with the BBC, Corbyn questioned Israel’s right to exist. He described it as an “honor and pleasure” to host “our friends” from Hamas and Hezbollah in Parliament, who he said were committed to “bringing about long-term peace and social justice and political justice in the whole region.” On August 12, 2018, the Daily Mail published photos of Corbyn laying a wreath at a memorial to the perpetrators of the Munich Olympics Massacre in Tunis in 2014.

Dame Margaret Hodge, a fellow Labour MP, has called Corbyn “an anti-Semite and a racist” to his face.

Amid the controversy over Corbyn and the party’s behavior, the National Executive Committee (NEC) refused in July 2018 to adopt the complete IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, omitting specific points related to criticism of Israel and forming their own code of conduct on anti-Semitism. The NEC ignored a letter from 68 British rabbis urging them to accept the definition and criticizing Labour for ignoring “those who understand anti-Semitism the best, the Jewish community.” The IHRA and Jewish community leaders condemned the NEC and said the definition should be adopted as written. Following over one month of controversy, the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee adopted the full, unedited definition of anti-Semitism on September 4, 2018.

As Jewish criticism of Corbyn intensified, Hamas tweeted its support for him.

In a poll by The Jewish Chronicle released in mid-September 2018, 86% of British Jews answered that they believe Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is anti-Semitic. Only eight percent of respondents said they did not believe Corbyn was anti-Semitic.

More fuel was poured on the fire when internal party documents were revealed to show how it responded to anti-Semitism in its ranks. “The Labour Party has failed to take disciplinary action against hundreds of members accused of anti-Semitism under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership,” according to internal documents leaked to The Sunday Times, “The party’s system for dealing with such complaints is bedeviled by delays, inaction and interference from the leader’s office. They reveal members investigated for posting such online comments as ‘Heil Hitler,” “F*** the Jews’ and “Jews are the problem” have not been expelled, even though the party received the complaints a year ago.”

After receiving more complaints about the behavior of party members, the Equality and Human Rights Commission launched a formal investigation in May 2019 to determine if the Labour Party has “unlawfully discriminated against, harassed or victimized people because they are Jewish.”

Many Jews who belonged to the Labour Party refused to support Corbyn, who Boris Johnson defeated in the December 2019 election.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published its investigative report into anti-Semitism in the Labour Party on October 29, 2020. The EHRC “found specific examples of harassment, discrimination and political interference” relating to the party leadership. “Although some improvements have been made to the process for dealing with anti-Semitism complaints, it is hard not to conclude that anti-Semitism within the Labour party could have been tackled more effectively if the leadership had chosen to do so,” the report states.

The report also said, “There was political interference in the handling of anti-Semitism complaints…in disciplinary cases that were deemed ‘politically sensitive.’” One example was an effort by Corbyn’s staff to dismiss the case against the party leader for his support of an artist who had produced an anti-Semitic mural in London.

The EHRC also charged that party members, such as Ken Livingstone, engaged in “unlawful harassment,” including using “anti-Semitic tropes and suggesting that complaints of anti-Semitism were fake or smears.”

Following the report’s release, Corbyn said anti-Semitism in the party was “dramatically overstated for political reasons” by opponents and the media, prompting party leader Keir Starmer to suspend him. Starmer said those who “deny there is a problem are part of the problem.”

In a speech to Labour Friends of Israel on November 16, 2021, Starmer outlined his views toward anti-Semitism and Israel:

On the day I became leader of the Labour Party 18 months ago, my first act was to acknowledge and apologize for the pain and hurt we have caused to the Jewish community in recent years….We have introduced a new independent complaint process; We have proscribed groups which deny or excuse antisemitism….We will rid our party of anti-Semitism, bigotry, and prejudice.

Anti-Zionist anti-Semitism is the antithesis of the Labour tradition: It denies the Jewish people alone a right to self-determination; It equates Zionism with racism, focuses obsessively on the world’s sole Jewish state, and holds it to standards to which no other country is subjected; And it seeks to paint the actions of Israel as akin to the crimes of those who sought to annihilate European Jewry in the Shoah.

And let me be clear: the Labour Party does not and will not support BDS. Its principles are wrong – targeting alone the world’s sole Jewish state. We fully oppose and condemn illegal settlements, annexation, and eviction of Palestinians in Occupied territories. We believe that international law should be adhered to. But a policy of BDS would be counterproductive.

Starmer became embroiled in his own controversy following the Hamas massacre of Israelis on October 7, 2023. He came in for criticism from many members of his party for expressing support for Israel and standing by his position after the number of civilian casualties increased as Israeli forces began their campaign to destroy Hamas. As of November 3, he was still resisting pressure to call for a ceasefire, which he said would allow Hamas to plan further atrocities.

UK-Israel Relations

See also: British-Israel Relations

Since 1948, when the United Kingdom recognized Israel’s independence, relations between the two have grown progressively stronger. This represents a dramatic reversal from the contentious relationship between the mandate period and the 1948 War.

By 1956, however, the two countries were working together against Egypt. In coordination with France, they attacked Egyptian forces in the Suez War.

The two countries have recently engaged in more peaceful cooperation in various areas. In 2015, for example, the British Royal Society and the Israel Academy of Science and Humanities signed a joint research agreement. The same year, new bilateral research and development programs were announced during the annual UK-Israel Science Day. Israel’s Science, Technology, and Space Ministry announced 1.5 million NIS in bilateral water, agriculture, nanotechnology, and medical research funding.

A report based on leaked documents from Wikileaks published by Le Monde on December 8, 2016, described how Britain’s GCHQ intelligence-gathering apparatus spied on Israeli diplomats, defense officials, and its military. The report detailed the intelligence service’s success in intercepting and reading emails between Israeli ambassadors and their counterparts. According to Le Monde, the British also spied on Palestinian Authority officials.

Prime Minister Teresa May praised close ties to Israel during a speech given to the Conservative Friends of Israel organization on December 13, 2016. May referred to the Balfour Declaration as “one of the most important letters in history” and stated that Britain would celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2017 with pride. On the anniversary in November, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to London for the festivities, which included a dinner party hosted by the descendants of Lord Rothschild, with members of the Balfour family also in attendance.

The two countries remain at odds over several diplomatic issues, including how to deal with Iran and the Palestinian issue. Britain also voted against the U.S. recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in the United Nations Security Council.

On the positive side, Prime Minister Theresa May’s Cabinet led the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism and threatened to join the United States in leaving the UN Human Rights Council if it did not abandon its one-sided and disproportionate focus on Israel; and stood up to critics of the centennial commemoration of the Balfour Declaration. May is also credited with “diluting its institutional hostility toward Israel” of the Foreign Office.

In February 2019, after years of Israeli admonitions, the British government designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Like most European countries, the UK designated Hezbollah’s military wing as a terrorist organization in 2013 after the group facilitated the bombing of an Israeli tour bus in Bulgaria in 2012, killing five Israelis and a Bulgarian bus driver.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the government acted because Hezbollah “is continuing in its attempts to destabilize the fragile situation in the Middle East – and we are no longer able to distinguish between their already banned military wing and the political party.” A year later, Britain expanded the scope of its asset-freezing measures to cover the entire organization, including its” military wing.”

April 28, 2020, marked the 70th anniversary of the UK opening its embassy in Tel Aviv, marking the beginning of Britain’s diplomatic relations with Israel. The Britain Israel Research and Communications Centre (BICOM) suggested that “the large Conservative victory in the UK’s December 2019 election, combined with Britain’s departure from the EU, could serve to deepen and enhance the Britain-Israel partnership as Britain seeks to redefine its foreign policy and security strategy while strengthening relations with allies outside of Europe.”

In 2022, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced to step down. He was replaced by Liz Truss, who immediately stoked controversy by raising the possibility of moving the British embassy to Jerusalem. Speaking at a meeting of the Conservative Friends of Israel, Truss referred to herself as a “huge Zionist and huge supporter of Israel” and promised to “take the UK-Israel relationship from strength to strength.” At a Tory Party event, she pledged never to allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon and added, “In this world – where we are facing threats from authoritarian regimes who don’t believe in freedom and democracy – two free democracies, the UK and Israel, need to stand shoulder to shoulder and we will be even closer in the future.”

In April 2025, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strategic Cooperation, signaling UK support for the PA as the sole legitimate governing body in the Palestinian territories. The MoU broadly outlines cooperation in areas like climate, education, and gender, reiterates the goal of Palestinian statehood based on the 1967 lines, and urges elections across all territories—though without a concrete timeline.

Trade

Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, Brexit, created uncertainty about trade relations between Israel and the UK. At the time, Israel was the UK’s 33rd largest market and Britain’s fourth-largest market in the Middle East and North Africa region. The UK, in turn, is Israel’s third-largest export market, behind the U.S. and China. Additionally, 26 Israeli companies are listed on the London Stock Exchange, and hundreds have offices in the UK.

Fears proved to be unfounded. In 2017, bilateral trade reached a record $9.1 billion, up from $7.2 billion in 2016. In 2018, trade exceeded $10 billion for the first time.

The UK imports pharmaceutical products, precious stones, plastic products, machinery, mechanical appliances, electrical machinery and equipment, and fruit and vegetables. Israel also became the first country to sign a post-Brexit continuity trade agreement with the UK.

The U.K.-Israel Tech Hub, based in the British Embassy in Israel, has fostered 175 tech partnerships and 54 deals worth $112 million since its inception in 2011. The Hub enables British entities to access innovative technologies from Israel, while also allowing Israeli technology and companies to reach a wider global audience. In May 2018, an agreement was signed to expand scientific cooperation between Israel and the United Kingdom.

Liam Fox, the UK’s International Trade Secretary, and Eli Cohen, Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, signed a trade continuity agreement on February 18, 2019, to take effect after Brexit. According to the Department for International Trade, the deal “allows businesses to trade as freely as they do now, without any additional barriers or tariffs.” It also said that UK consumers would “continue to benefit from more choice and lower prices on goods imported from Israel, such as pharmaceutical products.”

Fox described the UK’s relationship with Israel as “stronger than it has ever been, with record levels of bilateral cooperation in trade and investment between our two nations.

In July 2022, the United Kingdom and Israel initiated negotiations for a new free trade agreement. According to the British government, Israel is the UK’s 37th-largest trading partner. A press release noted, “A new upgraded deal would expand a trading relationship already worth £5 billion ($5.8 billion) a year. It could benefit 6,600 UK businesses, including 5,600 small and medium-sized enterprises, employing over 1.7 million people in 2020, who are exporting their goods to Israel by reducing trade barriers.”

The government noted, “Israel has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and their demand for digital products and services is expected to proliferate. The UK’s existing bilateral FTA with Israel contains no specific provisions on services, creating a huge opportunity to enhance the agreement.”

International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

The UK and Israel are both modern, hi-tech services superpowers, but our current trading relationship is based on an agreement from 1995, before smartphones, the internet, and digitally delivered services transformed the global economy. We want a deal that will play to British strengths while stimulating innovation and increasing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK. Combining the power of our economies in a revamped trade deal will boost trade, support jobs, and help take our economic relationship to the next level.

In 2020, approximately 325 Israeli-owned businesses in the UK employed over 7,000 people nationwide. Its services sector has grown by over 45% in the last decade, and Israel’s total imports are expected to double by 2035.

The FTA will complement the UK-Israel Bilateral Roadmap, which calls for increased cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including science, innovation, defense, health, development, and climate change.

The trade growth has occurred despite the UK being one of the hubs of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, indicative of its failure to impact Israel’s economic relations.

In March 2023, Israel and the UK signed “the 2030 Roadmap for Israel-UK Bilateral Relations.” According to the UK government, “the Roadmap contains detailed commitments for deepening cooperation across the breadth of the Israel-UK relationship, including on trade, cyber, science and tech, research and development, security, health, climate, and gender.”

The UK “committed to working closely with Israel to tackle the scourge of antisemitism. As chair for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in 2024, the UK will promote fact-based knowledge of the Holocaust and strengthen media and information literacy.”

The seven-year agreement also includes approximately £20 million in joint funding commitments for technology and innovation.

In 2024, Britain’s Ambassador to Israel, Simon Walters, and Israel's Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Hotevly explained, “As two of the world’s leading countries in science, research, innovation and technology, this agreement strengthens our cooperation in: sustainability and protecting the environment; health and medicine; Artificial Intelligence; space exploration and education. The UK and Israel are working together to enhance our scientific collaboration.”

On August 11, 2024, it was reported that Israel and the UK have launched a NIS 9 million ($2.4 million) fund to support joint research projects, particularly in transformative technologies such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence in drug discovery, alternative proteins, and advanced food packaging. This initiative marks the first collaboration, funded by the UK's Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology and Israel's Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Despite ongoing regional challenges, such as criticism over Israel's military actions in Gaza, the collaboration reflects the strong and enduring scientific and economic ties between the two nations. Additionally, the partnership is part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on innovation and economic growth. The UK remains a key destination for Israeli businesses, with Israeli companies contributing significantly to job creation in the UK. The commitment to scientific collaboration comes amid ongoing discussions and deals between the two countries, reinforcing their shared dedication to advancing critical technologies.

Israel-UK Trade
(in £ billion)
Year	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Value of total trade	4.8	4.4	3.4	3.5	3.7	4.1	4.4	5.1	4.9	5.0
Value of exports	2.1	2.0	1.8	2.0	2.2	2.4	2.6	3.1	2.7	2.5
Value of imports	2.7	2.4	1.6	1.5	1.5	1.7	1.8	2.0	2.1	2.5
Trade balance	-0.6	-0.4	0.3	0.5	0.7	0.7	0.8	1.1	0.6	0.1

As of 2025, Israel has climbed to 8th place among European countries for per capita foreign direct investment in the UK, up from 10th last year, according to a new report by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade. Nineteen Israeli companies established or expanded operations in the UK in 2024–2025, spanning sectors like fintech, healthcare, and urban tech, and are expected to create 866 new jobs over three years. This growth reflects the resilience of UK-Israel economic ties despite regional instability, and aligns with Britain’s new 10-year industrial strategy, which prioritizes sectors where Israeli innovation excels. British and Israeli officials praised the development as a sign of deepening bilateral economic cooperation.

In November 2025, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade reported a 3.7% increase in bilateral trade with Israel over the four quarters ending June 30, 2025, reaching £6.2 billion despite disruptions during the Iran war. The growth was driven by a 10.6% rise in UK exports, mainly pharmaceuticals, cars, and rail equipment, while imports from Israel fell 4.6%. Trade between the countries has nearly returned to prewar levels after dropping from a 2022 peak of £7.1 billion. Jewish leaders in Britain hailed the figures as proof that boycotts have failed and urged resumption of free-trade talks. The report also highlighted upcoming Israeli economic developments, including a Finance Ministry budget proposal with defense cuts and a new bank-profit tax, as well as a possible Bank of Israel interest-rate cut from 4.5% amid easing inflation. The same bulletin noted the return of the body of Tanzanian hostage Joshua Mollel, killed on October 7, 2023, and featured a BICOM podcast on Iran’s IRGC covert networks.

Defense Cooperation

The British Royal Navy's HMS Bulwark warship docked in Haifa on November 22, 2016, carrying a crew of over 400 men and women, along with their support vehicles. The British expressed gratitude for “the growing relationship between the Royal Navy and the Israeli Navy.”

In 2017, Britain purchased an Israeli defense system known as the Sky Sabre to help defend the Falkland Islands, located off the Eastern Coast of Argentina. Sky Sabre is based on technology developed for the Iron Dome defense system.

The UK Ministry of Defense announced the purchase of anti-drone systems developed by Israel’s Rafael Systems in August 2018. The system, dubbed the drone dome, will be used to protect sensitive sites from vulnerabilities that drones can exploit. The drone dome emits signals through an electro-optical sensor that blocks communication between the drone and pilot, rendering the drone useless even if it can continue to fly without controls. The system then targets and shoots down the drone using laser technology. Rafael will sell the UK government six systems in a deal valued at $20 million total.

In a further indication of growing military cooperation, Israeli, American, and British F-35 stealth fighters conducted an exercise in early 2019, the first time Britain acknowledged participation in a joint exercise with the Israeli Air Force (IAF). In September, the IAF participated for the first time in a joint combat exercise in Britain alongside the Royal Air Force and aircraft from the German and Italian air forces. Israel sent seven F-15s and airborne tankers to conduct mock dogfights, aircraft interceptions, and simulated ground attacks.

On December 3, 2020, the British Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) signed an agreement to formalize and enhance defense collaboration, thereby supporting the growing Israel-UK partnership. BICOM reported that “most of the agreement is highly classified, but the cooperation will include defense medical training, organizational design and concepts, and defense education.” The organization also noted that “both militaries share a commitment to improving and integrating their multi-domain capabilities in maritime, land, air, space, and cyber and electromagnetic.”

IAF Planes During Combat Warrior Exercise (IDF Spokesperson’s office)

For years, the British government made a distinction between the political and armed wings of Hamas, labeling only the latter as a terrorist organization. In November 2021, the Home Office finally recognized there was no distinction. “Hamas has significant terrorist capability, including access to extensive and sophisticated weaponry, as well as terrorist training facilities,” tweeted Home Secretary Priti Patel. “That is why today I have acted to proscribe Hamas in its entirety.”

On November 29, 2021, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding to deepen ties in cybersecurity, technology development, defense, trade, and science. They declared they would work “night and day” to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

In August 2022, British-based Babcock signed a deal with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and its subsidiary Elta Systems to provide long-range radar for the Defence Ministry’s Serpens program, designed to detect hostile mortars, artillery, and rockets.

Rafael announced in September 2023 a $25 million deal with the UK Ministry of Defence to purchase their advanced Trophy Active Protection System that will be installed on their Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks. The U.S. military is already using the system.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited Israel the same month. He said, “The UK understands the threat posed by Iran, and in a world that faces increased threats from hostile actors, Israel’s security is our security...A strong Israel is vital to the security of the region, which is in everybody’s interests.”

On December 12, 2024, it was reported that the United Kingdom had chosen the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) for its upgraded Challenger 3 tanks.

War in Gaza

After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and massacred 1,400 people, mostly civilians, including 10 Britons, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States released a joint statement expressing “steadfast and united support to the State of Israel” and “unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak traveled to Israel on October 19. “I am in Israel, a nation in grief,” Sunak said. “I grieve with you and stand with you against the evil that is terrorism.” After meeting with the families of British victims, he wrote, “We support, absolutely, Israel’s right to defend itself against this murderous enemy. More than a right, it has a duty to its citizens to restore the country’s security and bring the hostages home.”

“In that vein, we will stand with Israel, we will stand with you in solidarity with your people and your right to defend yourself, to bring security back to your country, to your people, to ensure the safe return of the hostages that have been taken. You have not just a right to do that, I think you have a duty to do that, to restore that security to your country,” added Sunak.

Sunak later agreed to provide 20 million pounds ($24.4 million) of humanitarian support for Gaza.

The UK also became directly involved in the war. In November, James Heappey, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, said, “A total of 12 aircraft have deployed to the eastern Mediterranean. These flights have provided surveillance support to Israel, including preventing the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups, and to wider regional security. They have also delivered humanitarian aid into Egypt.”

Massive protests with as many as 100,000 people condemning Israel took place in London and other parts of England, causing unease in the Jewish community. These rallies continued weekly while a demonstration against anti-Semitism mobilized some 60,000 people on November 26, 2023.

Over the next three years, the British government committed nearly $9 million to charities addressing anti-Semitism in the UK.

On July 26, 2024, Britain confirmed it would not challenge the pursuit of an international arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in the International Criminal Court (ICC), reflecting a shift in foreign policy under new Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This decision diverges from U.S. policy on Israel, which the previous Conservative government had closely followed. Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, decided not to make a submission to the court, emphasizing the rule of law and the separation of powers. This move marks the second departure from U.S. policy on Israel since the recent general election, following the restoration of funding to the UN relief agency for Palestinians, UNRWA. The British government is also reviewing arms sales to Israel based on alleged breaches of international law in Gaza.

On September 2, 2024, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the suspension of 30 of approximately 350 arms export licenses to Israel, explicitly targeting components for aerial systems like fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. This decision followed a review that identified a “clear risk” of these arms being used in violations of international humanitarian law. However, Lammy stressed that this action is not a total arms embargo. He clarified that the suspension is a legal obligation and not a blanket ban, with the possibility of lifting it if the risk assessment improves. UK components for the F-35 joint strike fighter were excluded except where going directly to Israel. The list of suspended items does, however, include essential elements that go into military aircraft, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, and drones, as well as items that facilitate ground targeting. The action is mostly symbolic as it will likely have little impact on Israel, which imports less than 1% of its arms from the UK ($23 million in 2023).

In response to the U.K.’s decision, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed disappointment, noting that the move comes at a critical time when Israel is engaged in a war on seven fronts following an unprovoked attack by a terrorist organization. Gallant emphasized Israel’s commitment to defending its state and people and reaffirmed his support for the professionalism and moral dedication of Israeli troops and security agencies.

Netanyahu tweeted, “This shameful decision will not change Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas...Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain's misguided decision will only embolden Hamas.”

Interestingly, arms transfers from Israel to the UK have been growing and now comprise about 3% of its arms imports.

This was also not the first time that Britain has suspended arms deliveries. In 1969, the government stopped sending Chieftain tanks to Israel, which prompted Israel to develop the Merkava.

Even though the action was largely symbolic, Richard Pater, the director of BICOM told Breaking Defense, “Britain and Israel regard each other as close allies, and this is not how allies behave when Israel is fighting a defensive action on several fronts. In a world of gesture politics the perception that one of the key allies is pulling support gives a tailwind of a wrong and worrying message to Iran and its axis about Israel’s position in the international community.” Pater continued, “That is the main concern. It is also a concern that a close ally is calling into question Israel’s work with International Humanitarian Law is deeply insulting; it means they don’t trust an ally that it is acting proportionately.”

On October 15, 2024, Britain announced sanctions against seven Israeli settler organizations accused of sponsoring violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, calling for an end to settler expansion on disputed territories. British Foreign Minister David Lammy criticized the Israeli government’s inaction, which he claimed has fostered an environment of impunity for settler violence, including attacks on schools and families. These asset freezes mark the third round of sanctions against individuals involved in such actions.

On November 12, 2024, a Gloucestershire Police officer was arrested on suspicion of supporting Hamas. Counter Terrorism Policing South West detained the constable at a Gloucester property, and he is now held at a police unit outside Gloucestershire. Searches, including those of a vehicle and residence, focus on locating digital devices for the analysis of alleged online activities. Gloucestershire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Arman Mathieson, acknowledged the serious nature of the offense but urged the public not to jump to conclusions as investigations are ongoing.

In response to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued on November 21, 2024, the UK indicated on November 22, 2024, that the country’s authorities could arrest Netanyahu on an ICC warrant if he visits. A spokesman for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that the UK would always comply with its legal obligations under domestic and international law. However, he declined to comment on specific cases.

On December 2, 2024, UK Prime Minister Starmer addressed the Labour Friends of Israel (LFI), expressing strong support for Israel and condemning Iran’s destabilizing activities. He called for a Gaza ceasefire contingent on the return of hostages, emphasized the need for a two-state solution, and rejected equivalence between Israel and Hamas. However, Starmer also acknowledged the challenges posed by settler violence and urged both sides to work towards a viable Palestinian state. Highlighting Iran as a state sponsor of terror, he stressed UK sanctions on the IRGC and denounced Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. He also supported expanding the Abraham Accords and condemned anti-Semitism disguised as pro-Palestinian activism. The event included calls for global efforts to secure the release of hostages, underscoring the conflict’s toll on Jewish British families.

On January 21, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the Middle East peace process toward establishing a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. Following their discussion, a government spokesperson said Downing Street emphasized the UK’s readiness to support political efforts to achieve this goal.

On January 31, it was revealed that former hostage Emily Damari was held in UNRWA facilities in Gaza. During her captivity, she was denied medical treatment despite suffering from two gunshot wounds, including the loss of two fingers on her left hand and an unhealed leg wound. Damari said the only medical aid she received was an expired medication bottle. She communicated these experiences to British Prime Minister Starmer, and she and her mother urged Starmer to put pressure on Hamas and UNRWA to allow the Red Cross access to the remaining hostages.

In February 2025, it was reported that UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch had called for an investigation into whether the BBC inadvertently paid Hamas while producing the documentary Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone. In a letter to BBC Director-General Tim Davie, she questioned if UK taxpayers’ money funded the terrorist group and accused the BBC of systemic bias against Israel. Badenoch threatened to withdraw her party’s support for the license fee unless serious action, including an independent inquiry, was taken. The controversy escalated after journalist Dave Collier revealed that the documentary’s narrator, Abdullah Ayman al-Yazouri, is the son of a senior Hamas official—information not disclosed to viewers. The BBC initially blamed the London-based production company Hoyo Films but later admitted to direct involvement in the documentary’s production. Internal BBC journalists also raised concerns over the lack of scrutiny, with one calling the situation a “terrible mess.” The BBC later formally apologized for its documentary, admitting to “serious flaws” and stating it would not rebroadcast the film in its current form. The BBC also acknowledged that al-Yazouri’s mother received a payment for his narration, prompting a full audit of the documentary’s budget. The network emphasized that these failures have damaged public trust in its journalism and announced a comprehensive fact-finding inquiry to assess any editorial breaches and potential disciplinary actions. While the BBC’s board upheld the legitimacy of the documentary’s subject matter, it underscored that trust and transparency are paramount, vowing further assessments following the Editorial Complaints Unit’s review. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the production of the BBC documentary, saying: “I am concerned about the investigation, the Foreign Secretary held a meeting with the BBC on the matter.”

On March 5, 2025, the UK, along with France and Germany, urged Israel to ensure the “unhindered” delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing that aid should not be used as a political tool or tied to a ceasefire. They warned that Israel’s recent decision to block aid deliveries until Hamas agrees to terms for extending the truce could violate international humanitarian law. The three European nations described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, alongside the continuation of humanitarian aid. They stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring the safety and well-being of Gaza’s population.

A few days later, former hostage Eli Sharabi met UK Prime Minister Starmer in Downing Street. Sharabi, whose British-Israeli wife and two daughters were murdered in the October 7 attack, shared his ordeal of starvation and being chained, only learning of his family’s deaths after his release. Starmer expressed deep sympathy, calling Sharabi’s suffering “inhuman,” and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to securing the release of the remaining 59 hostages, including Sharabi’s brother’s body. Accompanied by his surviving family members, Sharabi thanked Starmer for his support and urged him to continue efforts to free the remaining hostages, with Starmer pledging to “redouble” efforts to bring them home.

Later that month, an Israeli producer residing in Britain, Itay Kashti, was assaulted by three armed individuals during a business meeting in Wales in what is believed to be a nationalistically motivated kidnapping attempt. After arriving for the meeting, Kashti was attacked but managed to escape. Following the incident, the suspects were apprehended.

The British government is advancing legislation that would empower police to restrict protests near places of worship, particularly synagogues, following similar measures in Australia. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the need to balance the right to protest with the right to worship without fear, citing disruptions caused by pro-Palestinian demonstrations near synagogues on Shabbat. The proposed amendments to the UK’s policing bill would grant police authority to divert protest routes and protect sites like London’s upcoming Holocaust memorial. Jewish groups welcomed the move as a safeguard against rising anti-Semitism.

On April 5, 2025, Israeli immigration officials denied entry to British parliamentarians Joan Young and Abtisam Mohamed and their aides upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, citing national security concerns. Though the MPs claimed they were on an official delegation, Israeli authorities found no record of such a mission. They concluded during questioning that they intended to document Israeli security forces and promote anti-Israel rhetoric. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel ordered their immediate deportation, stating that individuals seeking to harm Israel’s reputation or security would not be permitted entry.

The following month, British authorities foiled an alleged Iranian-backed terror plot targeting the Israeli embassy in London, arresting eight individuals, seven of them Iranian, just hours before an anticipated attack. The operation, described by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as one of the UK’s most extensive counterterror efforts in recent years, included a suspect reportedly well-connected to the Iranian regime through family business ties in the Islamic Republic. All suspects were detained under Section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. Iran’s Foreign Minister denied involvement, rejecting the accusations.

On May 20, 2025, the UK paused its free trade talks with Israel and imposed new sanctions in response to Israel’s military escalation in Gaza and continued settler violence in the West Bank. Citing concerns over “egregious” Israeli policies and the Netanyahu government’s alleged failure to curb violence against Palestinians, the UK sanctioned individuals and groups linked to settler activity, including Daniella Weiss and her Nachala Israel Movement. The measures include travel bans, asset freezes, and business restrictions. In response, Israel criticized the UK’s move as politically motivated and defended its ongoing military actions in Gaza, where it recently intensified its offensive against Hamas.

The UK Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee warns in its July 2025 report that Iran poses a persistent, unpredictable, and multifaceted national security threat to the UK, including physical attacks on dissidents, nuclear proliferation risks, cyber and human espionage, and regional destabilization through proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. Driven by regime survival, Iran leverages asymmetric tactics, maintains a high risk appetite, and uses proxy networks to target adversaries, viewing the UK as a secondary but growing threat. The Committee criticizes the UK government’s response as reactive and overly focused on the nuclear issue, urging a long-term, strategic approach with enhanced coordination, resourcing, and intelligence capabilities.

On June 10, 2025, the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom jointly announced sanctions and other measures targeting Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for allegedly inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The statement condemned their extremist rhetoric, which calls for forced displacement of Palestinians and settlement expansion, as undermining the two-state solution and fueling human rights abuses. While affirming continued support for Israel’s security and condemning Hamas’s October 7 attacks, the ministers emphasized that the measures are aimed at individuals threatening regional stability and called on Israel to fulfill its international obligations.

In July 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to end the crisis in Gaza, including agreeing to a ceasefire, halting annexation plans in the West Bank, and committing to a two-state solution. The announcement follows growing pressure within the Labour Party. Starmer emphasized there is no moral equivalence between Hamas and Israel and stressed Hamas must release all hostages, accept a ceasefire, disarm, and not govern Gaza. Starmer’s move comes amid criticism over Israel’s conduct and growing calls within the UK government for decisive action, including aligning with France in symbolic recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The following month, Israel is considered severing defense and intelligence cooperation with the UK if Labour leader Keir Starmer proceeds with recognising a Palestinian state outside the framework of a peace process. Israeli officials warned that such a move could reward Hamas and jeopardize vital security ties, including intelligence-sharing on Iranian threats and the use of Israeli defense technology that has supported British military operations. While some in Israel caution against a rupture due to economic and strategic interdependence, others see the threat as a means to pressure Britain. The potential fallout could mark a historic low in UK-Israel relations.

Palestine Action, an anti-Israel protest group, was designated a terrorist organization by the UK government in July 2025 after activists vandalized military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton. The ban criminalizes any support for the group, leading to over 890 arrests during a September protest in London where demonstrators held signs saying, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”. The mass arrests—the largest in decades—sparked outrage among civil rights groups and UN officials, who argued the move dangerously equates disruptive protest with terrorism and chills free expression. A legal challenge is scheduled for November, with rights advocates warning of a precedent that could be used to suppress future dissent.Founded in 2020, Palestine Action targets companies with links to Israeli defense, particularly Elbit Systems UK, using tactics like vandalism, blockades, and symbolic disruptions. The group has spray-painted offices, removed busts of Israeli figures, and damaged military property. The June 2025 incident at Brize Norton was a turning point, leading the government to invoke terrorism laws against them. Supporters argue that Palestine Action engages only in non-violent, property-focused disruption, while critics say the group’s actions cross legal lines. Despite the ban, protests continue nationwide, and a judicial review could determine whether the group’s classification as a terrorist organization stands.

In September 2025, the British government officially stated for the first time that it does not believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. In a letter to Parliament, then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the high civilian casualties and destruction but emphasized that under the Genocide Convention, genocide requires proof of intent to destroy a group. On that basis, the U.K. concluded Israel lacks such intent, though Lammy urged Israel to do more to reduce suffering. The stance marks a shift from the previous position that left the determination to the judiciary. The announcement coincided with London’s continued review of arms exports to Israel and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state later this month unless conditions are met.

Later that month, Britain has barred IDF officers from attending the Royal College of Defence Studies, a prestigious academy founded in 1927 on Winston Churchill’s recommendation, citing concerns over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and stressing the school’s emphasis on international law. The move, described by Israeli Defense Ministry official Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amir Baram, as a “discriminatory act” and a betrayal of an ally, comes amid growing European pressure on Israel over famine reports in Gaza and adds to other punitive steps by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, including suspending arms export licenses and excluding Israel from a major defense expo.

UK Labour MP Peter Prinsley, one of a handful of Jewish members of the House of Commons, condemned Israel after he and fellow Jewish Labour MP Simon Opher were blocked from visiting the West Bank. In a Guardian op-ed, Prinsley said the experience showed how isolated Israel’s government had become and lamented its departure from the inclusive, democratic values on which it was founded. He said he was denied entry on vague “public security” grounds without explanation, preventing his group from visiting West Bank hospitals. Prinsley, a longtime supporter of Israel and member of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, expressed sadness that bonds once thought unbreakable between Israel and Jewish communities are being undermined by the current government.

The United Kingdom officially recognized the State of Palestine on September 21, 2025, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer fulfilling his pledge in July. Starmer conditioned recognition on Israel’s failure to agree to a Gaza ceasefire and commit to a two-state solution. In announcing the move, he said Britain sought to “revive the hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis” and stressed support for a two-state solution. Britain thus became the first G7 nation to extend recognition, joining Canada and Australia in a coordinated international effort.

Relations with the Royal Family

The United Kingdom’s Prince William took a historic trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories in June 2018, becoming the first British royal to officially visit the area. During William’s four-day tour, he met separately with Israeli President Rivlin and Palestinian President Abbas, visited the Temple Mount, spent time at Yad Vashem, visited a Palestinian refugee camp, relaxed in Tel Aviv, and spoke with Israeli business leaders. The visit was widely viewed as positive and received significant coverage in international media.

Israel’s foreign service considered Prince William’s visit a breakthrough, given the Foreign Office’s prior success in preventing members of the royal family from paying an official visit to Israel. This was not the first visit by a family member. William’s father, Prince Charles, attended the funerals of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 and Shimon Peres in 2016, and visited his grandmother’s grave, Princess Alice, buried in the Church of Mary Magdalene on the Mount of Olives.

The visit was the latest evidence of the growing ties between Israel and Britain, which are also reflected in rising trade figures, more robust economic ties, and increased transparency in military and intelligence cooperation. Noa Landau noted that experts attributed the changes to “Britain’s planned withdrawal from the European Union, the shift in international focus in the Middle East from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the global war on terror, and the return to power of the Conservative Party, considered friendlier to Israel than the Labour Party.”

Landau also noted that indications of more open military cooperation included publicity surrounding the visit to Haifa port of the HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy’s fleet flagship; joint exercises between the Israeli Air Force and the Royal Air Force; and a flyover by RAF jets as part of Israel’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Arms sales from Britain to Israel increased from about $28 million in 2015 to $300 million in 2017.

Prince Charles made his first-ever official visit to Israel in January 2020 to attend the World Holocaust Forum, marking 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. Speaking at the Holocaust Forum, the prince said: “The Holocaust must never be allowed to become simply a fact of history: we must never cease to be appalled, nor moved by the testimony of those who lived through it. Their experience must always educate, guide, and warn us.”

On December 8, 2024, during the Technion Institute of Technology’s 100th-anniversary gala dinner in London, former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin reflected on his experiences with British royalty, revealing a strained relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, who, he claimed, viewed Israelis as “either a terrorist or a son of a terrorist.” In contrast, Rivlin praised King Charles III for his warm and friendly demeanor, noting his unofficial visits to Israel and subsequent official visits in 2020. Rivlin received the 2024 Churchill Award at the event, celebrating the Technion’s century of groundbreaking contributions to science and technology, including advancements like drip irrigation systems and Nobel Prize-winning research. However, the evening also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Technion amid the aftermath of war, including the abduction of 12 community members, with seven still held in Gaza.

Jewish-Muslim Relations

With a Muslim population of nearly 3 million, mostly of Indian or Pakistani origin, the Jewish community in England has made concerted efforts to build a solid and steady relationship with the Muslim minority. This relationship has focused on local issues of concern to both communities and has steered clear of political discussions about the Middle East.

Two major organizations created to foster better relations between Jews and Muslims are the Jewish-Muslim Forum of Greater Manchester and the London-based Faith Matters group. Stamford Hill, a neighborhood in London with a strong Muslim community and rich Jewish history, is one of the focal areas where Muslim-Jewish relations have strengthened. Each community has banded together to fight extremism and racism, especially following anti-Semitic or anti-Muslim attacks.

Here in London, we have lived next door to our Muslim neighbors for decades without friction or tension, says Abraham Jacobson, a Haredi Jewish resident of Stamford Hill who serves as a city councilor for the Liberal Democrats in the Hackney District. We are simply neighbors ... and friends who look out for each other ... I don’t care whether the guy next door is Jewish, Muslim, or anything else.

On February 11, Jewish and Muslim leaders signed the Muslim-Jewish Reconciliation Accords (or Drumlanrig Accords). They aim to foster reconciliation, understanding, and solidarity between Muslim and Jewish communities, recognizing their shared spiritual heritage and commitment to justice. The accords address global tensions that strain relationships, leading to Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism, and societal polarization. Foundational principles include unity in diversity, using sacred texts as guidance, committing to non-harm, and recognizing the impact of global crises. Mutual commitments emphasize respect, education, safe spaces, civic responsibility, and crisis response. Several committees are proposed to implement these principles, such as the Muslim-Jewish Leadership Council and the Educational Collaboration Committee. The accords envision building relationships, promoting dialogue, contributing to society, and leaving a legacy of solidarity.

Contacts

Jewish Community Centre for London
341-351 Finchley Road, London NW3 6ET
Telephone: 020 7431 9866
Fax: 020 7431 6483
Email: info@jw3.org.uk
Website: https://www.jw3.org.uk/

Nottingham Hebrew Congregation
Shakespeare Villas
Nottingham NG1 4FQ
Tel. 0115-9472004
Email. OfficeNHC@aol.com
Web. www.nottshul.co.uk

Marjorie & Arnold Ziff Community Centre
311 Stonegate Road,
Leeds, LS17 6AZ
Tel: 0113 218 5888
Fax: 0113 203 4915
Web. http://www.mazcc.co.uk/

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“Keir Starmer’s keynote speech to Labour Friends of Israel,” Jewish News [UK], (November 16, 2021).
@pritipatel, (November 19, 2021).
Lazar Berman, “Lapid signs economy MoU with UK, warns Iran playing for time in nuclear talks,” Times of Israel, (November 29, 2021).
“Antisemitic Incidents Report 2021,” CST, (February 10, 2022).
“After 800 years, Church of England apologizes to Jews for laws that led to expulsion,” Times of Israel, (May 8, 2022).
“Government suspends engagement with the NUS over antisemitism,” Press Release, Higher Education Administration, (May 13, 2022).
Ben Bloch, “Priti Patel slams BDS as ‘racist’, declares her ‘unflinching and unequivocal’ support of Israel,” Jewish Chronicle, (May 18, 2022).
Marie Jackson, “NUS: Government cuts students’ union links over anti-Semitism concerns,” BBC, (May 14, 2022).
James Lee, “UK signs defence deal with Israel for ‘next generation’ radar to track Putin threats,” Express, (August 12, 2022).
“UK launches Israel talks to boost trade between services superpowers,” GOV.UK, (July 20, 2022).
“Israel,” Trade & Investment Factsheets, UK Department for International Trade, (August 19, 2022).
“U.K. Could Move Embassy to Jerusalem, Truss Tells Lapid,” Haaretz, (September 22, 2022).
Lee Harpin, “Liz Truss: ‘I’m a huge Zionist and huge supporter of Israel,’” Jewish News [UK], (October 3, 2022)
“Antisemitic Incidents 2022,” Community Security Trust, (2023).
“UK-Israel sign new 7 year agreement,” BICOM News, (March 22, 2023)
Charlotte Littlewood, “Antisemitism in Schools,” Henry Jackson Society, (July 14, 2022).
Lee Harpin, “New higher education report reveals Jewish students’ underlying fear of being targeted,’” Jewish News, (May 31, 2023).
Ami Rojkes Dombe, “UK to Integrate Rafael’s Trophy Active Protection System into Challenger 3 Tanks,” IsraelDefense, (July 17, 2023).
Gabe Friedman, “The UK’s defense secretary is Jewish, a first since the 1990s,” JTA, (August 31, 2023).
Lee Harpin, “Cleverly in new Foreign Office video, stresses: ‘Israel’s security is our security,’” Jewish News, (September 15, 2023).
“British PM Sunak in Israel for wartime visit,” JNS, (October 19, 2023).
Rishi Sunak, “Hamas have already shown who they are. They must be defeated,” The Telegraph, (October 21, 2023).
“UK to provide 20 million pounds of further aid for Gaza,” Reuters, (October 23, 2023).
Kate Devlin and Archie Mitchell, “Keir Starmer resists Labour rebellion as he warns ceasefire would ‘embolden’ Hamas,” Independent, (October 31, 2023).
George Allison, “British aircraft providing surveillance support to Israel,” ukdj, (November 14, 2023).
Aoife Walsh, “Jeremy Hunt pledges £7m to tackle antisemitism,” BBC, (November 22, 2023).
Harriet Sherwood, “Three guilty of terror offence over paraglider images at UK Palestine march,” The Guardian, (February 13, 2024).
“UK Jewish group records all-time high in antisemitic incidents after October 7,” Times of Israel, (February 15, 2024).
Jenni Frazer, “Two ambassadors sign science co-operation agreement,” Jewish News, (March 25, 2024).
Stephen Castle, “U.K. Drops Opposition to International Criminal Court Warrant for Netanyahu,” New York Times, (July 26, 2024).
“Amid ongoing war, Israel and the UK launch fund for joint tech research projects,” Times of Israel, (August 11, 2024).
“UK suspends around 30 arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza over International Humanitarian Law concerns,” Gov.UK, (September 2, 2024).
Lazar Berman, “UK suspends some licenses of arms sales to Israel, but denies it amounts to an embargo,” Times of Israel, (September 2, 2024).
@yoavgallant, (September 2, 2024).
Rachel Fink, “Netanyahu, Jewish Leaders Slam U.K.’s ‘Shameful’ Decision to Suspend Some Arms Transfers to Israel,” Haaretz, (September 3, 2024).
Seth J. Frantzman, “UK’s move to bar some arms from Israel is symbolic, but that matters: Analysts,” Breaking Defense, (September 3, 2024).
Rhiannon James, “Keir Starmer pledges to make Holocaust lessons mandatory for all children,” Standard, (September 16, 2024).
“UK sanctions target Israeli settler outposts in West Bank,” Reuters, (October 15, 2024).
“Police officer arrested on suspicion of terrorism offence,” Gloucester News Centre, (November 12, 2024).
“UK indicates it could arrest Netanyahu on ICC warrant, as Hungary invites him to visit,” Times of Israel, (November 22, 2024).
Itamar Eichner, “Antisemitic UK posters call for ‘Zionist-free zone,’” Ynet, (November 28, 2024).
Itamar Eichner, “Jewish Students Attacked on Bus in London: ‘No One Loves You,’” Ynet, (December 2, 2024). [Hebrew]
“Starmer: cIran is a state sponsor of terror,”” BICOM, (December 2, 2024).
“Former Israeli president claims Queen Elizabeth ‘saw Israelis as terrorists,’” Jewish News, (December 9, 2024).
Lee Harpin, “Huge spike in university campus antisemitism, CST report reveals,” Jewish News, (December 9, 2024).
Eyal Boguslavsky, “Germany Orders Trophy APS for Leopard 2 A8 Tanks, Expands Active Protection Adoption,” Israel Defense, (December 10, 2024).
“UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ To Palestinian State,” Barron’s, (January 21, 2025).
Zev Stub, “Most British Jews believe they don’t have a long-term future in the UK, survey finds,” Times of Israel, (January 26, 2025).
“Emily Damari held in UNRWA facilities, denied medical care, she tells British PM,” Ynet, (January 31, 2025).
“Anti-Semitic Incidents,” CST, (February 12, 2025).
“The Muslim-Jewish Reconciliation Accords,” Diocese of Westminster, (January 16, 2025).
Ailin Vilches Arguello, “Jewish Man Violently Attacked in England, Assailant Reportedly Said He Was ‘Responsible for Gaza War,’” Algemeiner, (February 20, 2025).
“UK lawmaker demands investigation into whether BBC transferred money to Hamas,” Ynet, (February 24, 2025).
“BBC apologizes for Gaza documentary, citing ‘serious flaws’”, Ynet, (February 27, 2025).
Daniel Adelson, “British PM Starmer calls BBC documentary on Gaza ‘concerning,’” Ynet, (February 27, 2025).
“France, UK, Germany Urge ‘Unhindered’ Access For Gaza Aid,” Barron’s, (March 5, 2025).
Daniel Ben-David, Keir Starmer pays tribute to former hostage Eli Sharabi at meeting in Downing Street, Jewish Chronicle, (March 7, 2025).
Lihi Gordon, ““They put a sack on my head, it was a nationalist motive”: The Israeli who survived a kidnapping attempt in Britain speaks,” Ynet, (March 17, 2025). [Hebrew]
“In UK and Australia, lawmakers are trying to curb protests outside of synagogues,” Jerusalem Post, (March 28, 2025).
“Israel denies entry to two UK lawmakers accused of planning anti-Israel propaganda,” Ynet, (April 5, 2025).
“UK backs Palestinian Authority with MoU,” BICOM, (April 30, 2025).
“Police thwart Iranian plot to target London's Israeli embassy - report,” Jerusalem Post, (May 9, 2025).
“UK freezes Israel trade deal over Gaza offensive, places sanctions on West Bank settlers,” Jerusalem Post, (May 20, 2025).
“Foreign Ministers joint statement on measures targeting Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich,” gov.uk, (June 10, 2025).
“Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament: Iran,” ISC, (July 10, 2025).
Jamie Whitehead, Sam Hancock, Harry Farley, “UK will recognise Palestinian state in September unless Israel meets certain conditions, Starmer says,” BBC, (July 29, 2025).
“Israel Climbs to Top 8 in Europe for Investments in the UK Amid Regional Turmoil,” DBT, (August 6, 2025).
Matt Dathan, Gabrielle Weiniger, “Israel could cut UK security ties if Starmer recognises Palestine,” The Times, (August 7, 2025).
Robert White, “Museum ‘cowering to anti-Semitic mob’ by postponing Jewish exhibition,” Telegraph, (September 5, 2025).
Kara Fox, “What is Palestine Action, the group linked to hundreds of arrests in the UK?” CNN, (September 6, 2025).
Lizzie Dearden, “Over 800 Arrested at Protest After Pro-Palestinian Group Banned as Terrorist,” New York Times, (September 6, 2025).
Zev Stub, “Poll: Almost half of Brits believe Israel treats Palestinians the way Nazis treated Jews,” Times of Israel, (September 7, 2025).
Zev Stub, “‘Britain, wake up now’: Estimated 70,000 join March Against Antisemitism in London,” Times of Israel, (September 7, 2025).
Mike Wagenheim, “Israel not committing genocide in Gaza, UK says for first time,” JNS, (September 9, 2025).
“Britain bans IDF officers from elite military academy founded by Churchill,” Ynet, (September 15, 2025).
“Jewish UK Labour parliamentarian rails at Israel after being denied entry to West Bank,” Times of Israel, (September 20, 2025).
“UK, Canada and Australia recognize Palestinian state,” Israel Hayom, (September 21, 2025).
“2 killed, 4 seriously injured in Yom Kippur attack at UK synagogue; terrorist shot dead,” Times of Israel, (October 2, 2025).
“U.K. Universities Told to Crack Down on Antisemitism After Synagogue Attack,” Haaretz, (October 12, 2025).
Ali Mitib, “NHS doctor who supported Palestine Action arrested,” Times, (October 21, 2025).
Shiryn Ghermezian, “UK Gov’t ‘Deeply Saddened’ After Maccabi Tel Aviv Declines Ticket Allocation Following Fan Ban for Aston Villa Match,” Algemeiner, (October 21, 2025).
“UK government reports increase in Britain–Israel trade,” BICOM, (November 6, 2025).
Siam Goorwich, “Anti-Israel activists plaster Birmingham in ‘zionists not welcome’ signs as city braces for Villa-Maccabi clash,” Jewish Chronicle, (November 6, 2025).
Ben Conway, “Nearly half of Britons believe the UK is ‘an unsafe place for Jewish people,’” Jewish Chronicle, (November 21, 2025).
“Two arrested after police say they will act against intifada chants,” BBC, (December 16, 2025).

Photo Credits: Ilford synagogue photo courtesy of Ilford Synagogue.
Central Synagogue photos courtesy of the Central Synagogue.
The New West End Synagogue photo is courtesy of the New West End Synagogue.

United Kingdom Virtual Jewish History Tour