British Jews feel abandoned, no longer trust UK institutions on antisemitism, new report reveals

British Jews have experienced a significant erosion of trust in key UK institutions, according to a new report titled 'Listening to British Jews.' The study, conducted by Professor Shani Orgad at the London School of Economics and Political Science, involved focus groups between December 2025 and March 2026. Participants across all groups expressed deep feelings of abandonment, of being ignored, and of betrayal by what they termed "the pillars of society."

This profound distrust extends to the police, the education system, the media, and the legal system. While some participants acknowledged police efforts to ensure community safety, particularly after incidents like the Heaton Park synagogue attack in October 2025, many felt daily protection was insufficient. A notable concern centered on the policing of pro-Palestinian protests, where participants reported witnessing antisemitic language and incitement to violence that police officers allegedly did not act upon, even when Jewish attendees raised immediate concerns.

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even straight after Manchester, the police have not really been evident at various events that took place in the Jewish community in Glasgow, which I don’t feel is right. They just keep saying that it’s not going to happen here because we’re such a small community

The education system was identified as another major area of concern. Numerous participants shared distressing accounts of antisemitic incidents experienced by their children and grandchildren in schools. Examples included a 12-year-old being told he should be gassed, and another child being told all Jews should be dead. Schools' responses were often described as inadequate, with promises of investigation not being followed up or parents being told the school could not dictate what children were taught.

The report underscores a widespread sentiment among British Jews that they are fundamentally underserved and unprotected by the institutions meant to uphold societal order and safety. This loss of faith is particularly acute following a period marked by increased antisemitic incidents and protests, leading to a pervasive feeling of being left vulnerable and unheard.

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the school’s response that it could not tell parents what to teach their children