Antisemitic Incidents in UK Skyrocket After Manchester Synagogue Terror Attack
The United Kingdom witnessed a dramatic surge in antisemitic incidents following the deadly terror attack on a Manchester synagogue during the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, according to new data released by the Community Security Trust (CST). This organisation, which provides security to British Jewish communities, recorded a total of 3,700 antisemitic incidents throughout 2025, marking the second highest annual total in its history since records began in 1984.
Deadly Attack Triggers Immediate Hate Crime Spike
On October 2nd, 2025, the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester was targeted in a fatal antisemitic terror attack, resulting in two deaths and three serious injuries. This represented the first lethal antisemitic terror attack since the CST initiated its recording system over four decades ago. In the immediate aftermath, the CST documented 40 antisemitic incidents on the day of the attack itself, with another 40 recorded the following day. More than half of these incidents directly referenced or celebrated the violence at Heaton Park.
October consequently became the worst month for anti-Jewish hate throughout the entire year of 2025, demonstrating how such violent acts can fuel further harassment and abuse across the country. The CST's comprehensive report, published this week, reveals that the 2025 total represents a 4% increase compared to the 2024 figures, though it remains slightly below the record high set in 2023, which was largely driven by the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Patterns of Violence and Monthly Averages
For the first time ever, the CST recorded more than 200 antisemitic incidents in every single calendar month of the year. The average monthly total for 2025 reached 308 incidents, which is double the average recorded before October 2023. The organisation categorised four incidents as extreme violence, including the Manchester synagogue attack, alongside 170 cases of assault and 217 instances of damage and desecration to Jewish property. This property damage affected homes, vehicles, synagogues, schools, and businesses owned by Jewish individuals and organisations.
More than 3,000 additional cases were classified as abusive behaviour. Mark Gardner, the CST's chief executive, emphasised the severity of the situation, stating: "Two years of intense anti-Jewish hatred culminated in a Jihadi terror attack at a synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. The terror attack then triggered even more antisemitism, showing the depths of extremism faced by Jews and all our British society."
Geopolitical References and Specific Contexts
Over half of all recorded incidents made reference to Israel, Palestine, Hamas, or the war in Gaza, indicating how international conflicts can directly influence domestic hate crime patterns. The report also highlighted a smaller but notable increase in antisemitic incidents during December 2025, following the gun attack on Jewish people celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. This further illustrates how violent incidents abroad can resonate and provoke additional harassment within the UK.
In some specific sectors, the data showed mixed trends:
- Educational settings saw a decrease, with antisemitic incidents in schools falling by 23% from 266 in 2024 to 204 in 2025, and university-related incidents dropping by 41%.
- Professional football witnessed an increase, with 36 incidents linked to the sport compared to 25 the previous year. Fourteen of these were connected to West Midlands Police's decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a match against Aston Villa in November.
Political Responses and Security Measures
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood responded to the report by stating: "Behind these shocking numbers are ordinary Jews suffering because of hate." She confirmed that the government is providing record funding for security measures to protect Jewish communities across the United Kingdom. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp added: "We can't have hatred and extremism pouring out on our streets. It is morally wrong that Jewish residents here in the UK no longer feel safe. Words are not enough. Action is needed."
The CST's findings underscore a troubling escalation in antisemitic behaviour, with the Manchester synagogue attack serving as both a tragic peak and a catalyst for further hate crimes. The data reveals a complex interplay between domestic terrorism, international events, and community safety, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by British Jewish communities and the broader societal impact of extremism.
