UK Healthcare System Now a New Front in Rising Antisemitism, Expert Warns

Antisemitism in the United Kingdom has seen a significant surge and intensification since October 7, 2023, extending into areas where it was previously uncommon, such as the healthcare system, according to Dave Rich, an expert and author on the subject. Rich highlighted that the British NGO Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) documented considerable antisemitism within the UK's healthcare sector, which is alarming given the vulnerability of patients and the need for trust in medical professionals. He explained that while antisemitism has historically existed on societal fringes, it has become more commonplace and normalized, amplified by social media and anti-Israel protests that often equate Israel with Nazi Germany and accuse it of genocide. This normalization has permeated middle-class professional circles, including doctors and lawyers.

Rich noted that the conflict in Gaza has been instrumentalized by extremists, reinforcing narratives that Israel is an apartheid state and responsible for global problems, thereby making antisemitism more socially acceptable. He also pointed to universities as a breeding ground, where former radical students now hold academic positions and propagate antisemitic ideas about Jewish power or "Zionist lobbies." This creates a difficult situation for Jewish students, as they face power imbalances when confronting antisemitism from faculty members who control their grades. Despite these challenges, Rich acknowledged that most Jewish students have positive experiences at most universities.

Regarding safety, Rich stated that while Jews in Britain are less safe than before, life continues, with active Jewish communities and institutions. He cited recent violent incidents, including an attack near a synagogue in Manchester on October 2, 2025, and a stabbing in Golders Green, London, in late April. The Jewish community requires extensive security measures, costing hundreds of millions of pounds annually, to protect approximately 600-700 institutions like synagogues and schools. The Community Security Trust (CST) manages government funds for private security at these locations and operates a surveillance center monitoring around 450 buildings.

Last year, the CST recorded 3,700 reports of antisemitic incidents. Rich emphasized the need to identify and prosecute individuals violating laws against hate speech and to improve legislation. He also noted that while right-wing extremism remains a threat, with figures like Tommy Robinson promoting divisive rhetoric, the primary challenge lies in addressing the root causes of antisemitism, including Islamist, far-right, and far-left extremism, and the narratives that fuel them. Rich expressed hope in the resilience of the Jewish community, its political engagement, and the support of the majority of Britons who he believes stand against antisemitism.