Hate crime rises in England since war in Gaza

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Figures compiled  from police forces showing the rise in hate crime since the Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October.

Greater Manchester Police recorded 74 antisemitic offences compared with 15 for the same period in 2022; West Yorkshire Police recorded 53, compared with 10; West Midlands Police recorded 22 compared with one; and Merseyside Police recorded 20 compared with four.

British Transport Police had one of the largest increases, recording 87 antisemitic offences in the month after October 7, up from eight in the same period in 2022.

The rise in Islamophobic attacks was mixed: West Yorkshire 49 up from 29; Greater Manchester 34 in 2023 compared to 43; West Midlands 25 compared to 33. Charities have described the data as shocking and deeply worrying.