London College of Bishops denounces antisemitic incidents

The London College of Bishops has said it “unequivocally” condemns a lot of apparently antisemitic attacks aimed toward synagogues, charities and shops.

Counter terrorism police have said that they’re investigating recent incidents, including an arson attack on a synagogue in Finchley last week, other suspected arson attacks on a constructing linked to a Jewish charity, and one other synagogue in Harrow.

 The rise in hostilities is believed to be linked with discontent about Israel’s military conflicts within the Middle East. 

In their statement, the London bishops described antisemitic acts as “abhorrent”, adding that they’re designed to intimidate Londoners usually and Jews specifically.

“When any religious or faith community is targeted, it damages the lifetime of our city as a complete,” the bishops said.

“In speaking out, we achieve this as bishops and as leaders with responsibility for communities across London. Violence, hatred and intimidation directed at people of any faith undermine trust, fracture relationships, and corrode the foundations of a various and peaceful society.”

They added that they stood “in solidarity” with the Jewish community and all those impacted by the attacks.

“Antisemitism doesn’t exist in isolation. It sits inside a wider pattern of spiritual hate and racism,” they said.

“No type of prejudice must be normalised, excused or left unchallenged. We call on those with responsibility in public life to act decisively to guard all places of worship, to challenge hatred wherever it appears, and to offer clear reassurance to communities who feel increasingly vulnerable.

“Our Christian faith teaches us that one and all is made within the image of God. That conviction calls us to face alongside our Jewish neighbours today, and to work for a London tomorrow through which fear has no authority and hatred finds no shelter.”

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the federal government’s response to antisemitism can be “unflinching”.

“We will work relentlessly to make sure antisemites and those that threaten the Jewish community here have nowhere to cover. And to point out British Jews that we stand with them, and can do all the pieces in our power to maintain them secure,” he said.