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Jewish communities will receive up to £10 million in an
emergency cash injection to scale up security at synagogues
and schools, taking funding to protect faith communities to
record levels
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The announcement follows the horrific terrorist attack in
Manchester two weeks ago, and latest statistics showing that
Jewish people are more targeted by hate crime than any other
group
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Prime Minister pledges to go further and leave no stone
unturned to keep Jewish people safe in all parts of
life
Security around synagogues and Jewish schools will be
ramped up thanks to record levels of funding to protect
communities and help targeted groups feel safe, the Prime
Minister has announced today.
Up to £10 million will be dedicated to paying for more security
staff and equipment around Jewish sites, such as CCTV, alarms and
floodlights.
The emergency cash injection, which will be available
immediately, comes two weeks after the horrifying terrorist
attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall,
Manchester.
Statistics out last week also show that religious hate crime is
at the highest ever levels and Jewish people were more targeted
than any other group.
Following this attack, many Jewish leaders have already taken
steps to increase security and protect their communities,
measures that will now be supported by the government.
Local police forces have also stepped up patrols in at risk
areas, and deployed more officers to manage violent protests,
investigate hate crimes and support communities who feel
targeted.
Prime Minister said:
“I was in Manchester the day after the horrific terrorist attack
and saw first-hand the fear that many Jewish people are facing.
Not just on that terrible day, but every day, and in every part
of their lives. The devastating truth is that antisemitism is on
the rise in Britain, and we must defeat it.
“In the days after the attack, I promised to do everything in my
power to give Jewish communities the security they deserve, and
this work has already begun. We are giving record levels of
funding to scale up security at synagogues and faith schools, and
we are giving the powers they need to tackle protests that cause
repeat disruption to communities and intimidate worshippers, but
more must be done.
“Tackling this hatred will not be solved with quick fixes. It
will take work across communities and in every part of our
country and every part of our society. It is a national effort
that I am determined this government will lead.”
The Prime Minister made the announcement at the Community
Security Trust (CST), a charity that protects British Jews from
terrorism and antisemitism, and who will administer the
funding.
Mark Gardner, CST Chief Executive said:
"This is a vital emergency boost for security measures at a
crucial time for the Jewish community, as we confront the
aftermath of the appalling Islamist terrorist attack in
Manchester.
"This fund will strengthen the security infrastructure protecting
our synagogues, schools, and community buildings, at a time when
Jews remain, proportionally, the most likely victims of hate
crime in the UK.
"We are grateful for this announcement and will continue to work
closely with the government and community partners: but the root
causes of antisemitism and extremism must be acknowledged and
tackled if long term change is to occur.”
Today's announcement also builds on action already taken to help
clamp down on hate crime and antisemitism including empowering
the police to put conditions on repeat protests and ordering a
review of all protest legislation to make sure the police have
the powers they need to tackle intimidation, incitement and keep
communities safe.
The latest statistics also show that the Muslim community has
faced an increase in vile hate crime over the past year. The
safety and security of all our communities is of the utmost
importance, and the Government is also looking at how best to
support them.
Chancellor of the Exchequer said:
“The sickening attack in Manchester was an assault on the safety,
dignity and peace of mind that every Jewish person deserves.
“We are providing record funding to help protect synagogues and
Jewish schools – but this isn't just about cameras and alarms,
it's about restoring that peace of mind, and sending the message:
Britain stands with its Jewish community, always.”
Home Secretary said:
“Our Jewish community shouldn't have to choose between worship
and safety. No one should be forced to live a smaller Jewish life
in our country.
“Hatred and violence seeks to divide us. But we choose the path
of solidarity. We stand with the Jewish community, and with all
communities, who have been forced to live in fear."
