UK pledges £250 million over 3 years to boost protection of Jewish communities

Britain will allocate more than £250 million ($335 million) over the next three years to bolster the security of its Jewish communities, the government announced Monday. This significant funding package aims to address a recent surge in antisemitic attacks across the country.

The investment will result in the deployment of over 500 additional police officers throughout England and Wales. These officers will enhance security in Jewish neighborhoods and around synagogues, schools, and community centers, providing a more visible deterrent against hate crimes. The funding also includes specific allocations for London and Greater Manchester, areas that have experienced notable attacks.

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The rise in antisemitism we have seen in recent years is a test of our values as a country and tackling it has been central to my leadership from day one.

"The rise in antisemitism we have seen in recent years is a test of our values as a country and tackling it has been central to my leadership from day one," said outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer. His statement highlighted the government's commitment to combating antisemitism, which has been a key focus of his leadership.

The new measures follow a series of concerning incidents, including the torching of Jewish community ambulances in March and an antisemitic stabbing attack in April that led Britain to raise its national terrorism threat level to "severe." The funding package is in addition to a previous £25 million announced after the April stabbings. Matt Jukes, deputy commissioner of London Metropolitan Police, noted that "Jewish communities are facing an exceptional threat with rising hate crime alongside terrorism and interference from hostile states."

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Jewish communities are facing an exceptional threat with rising hate crime alongside terrorism and interference from hostile states.