UK Allocates £251 Million to Boost Security for Jewish Communities Amid Rising Antisemitism

The UK government announced an additional £251 million (approximately 1 billion shekels) in funding to enhance security for Jewish communities following a surge in antisemitic attacks. London’s police force will receive £86 million to recruit around 300 new officers to increase police presence in Jewish neighborhoods, including near synagogues, schools, and community centers. This move follows a series of antisemitic incidents in London, such as the stabbing of two Haredi men in Golders Green in April, and the national terror threat level being raised from "severe" to "severe critical".

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the funding will bring a "significant change in protection" for Jewish communities. Deputy London Police Commissioner Matt Jukes explained that the investment will strengthen existing community protection teams, establish new teams at three London locations, and create a community center in Golders Green.

Manchester Police is set to receive £22 million to support increased police presence after last year’s Yom Kippur synagogue attack that killed two Jewish men, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Kravitz. Additionally, seven other police regions with sizable Jewish populations, including Hertfordshire, Essex, Sussex, Thames Valley, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, and Northumbria, will share £43 million.

A further £41 million will be allocated for national policing coordination, including antisemitism training for all officers in England and Wales, while £59 million will support counterterrorism police efforts. Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones emphasized the government’s commitment to providing record funding to help keep Jewish communities in London safe. Starmer reiterated that the funding aims to ensure Jewish communities can live and celebrate their faith without fear.