Anti-Semitic hate crimes in London have reached their highest level in two years, with the borough of Barnet recording the most offences, according to new figures from the Metropolitan Police. The data comes just days after a double stabbing in Golders Green, which is being treated as a terrorist attack.
Sharp Increase in Offences
Some 140 anti-Semitic offences were logged across the capital in April, up from 98 in March and 67 in February. The borough of Barnet saw the highest number, accounting for 51 of the 140 offences (36 per cent). Barnet includes Golders Green, Hendon, and Finchley, all areas with large Jewish populations, where a series of apparent anti-Semitic attacks occurred last month.
Attempted arson attacks were carried out at Finchley Reform Synagogue on April 15, at a former Jewish charity building in Hendon on April 18, and at a memorial wall in Golders Green on April 28. Golders Green was also the scene of a double stabbing on April 29 that is being treated as an act of terrorism.
Other boroughs with high numbers included Camden (17 offences), Hackney (16), Haringey (10), and Westminster (7). Overall, 21 of London's 32 boroughs recorded at least one anti-Semitic hate crime in April.
Record Highs Since Data Change
The 140 offences recorded in April represent the highest monthly figure since the Met Police changed its hate crime recording methodology in March 2024. Data from before that change showed a large spike following the outbreak of the Hamas-Israel conflict in October 2023, with offences jumping from 61 in September 2023 to 518 in October, followed by 411 in November, 228 in December, 198 in January 2024, and 174 in February.
Police Response
In response, the Met Police announced the creation of a community protection team comprising 100 extra officers to provide a more visible, intelligence-led, and co-ordinated presence focused on protecting Jewish communities across London. The team will involve neighbourhood policing as well as specialist protection and counter-terrorism capabilities. The Met said this marks the beginning of a new, more sustainable model of protection built around local knowledge, visibility, and partnership.
A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST) welcomed the announcement, stating: 'CST welcomes the Metropolitan Police's announcement of a new dedicated Community Protection Team to tackle antisemitic hate crimes and protect the Jewish community in London. This new measure is an important step at a time of heightened anti-Jewish hatred and reflects the seriousness of the threats currently facing the community.'
However, a spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism criticised the police response, saying: 'In this current climate of arson attacks, ambulance incineration and stabbings, it stands to reason that these figures are so high. Our polling shows that most Jews report hate crimes, even if only ten per cent of them believe those crimes will be prosecuted. What is incredible is that, after two years of surging antisemitism, the figures continue to go up rather than down. It shows just how abjectly policing in London under Sir Mark Rowley has failed.'
Funding Concerns
The Daily Mail revealed that the Government's announcement of an extra £18 million for the Metropolitan Police was met with derision. Top officers have warned that the cash injection, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in the wake of the Golders Green knife attacks, could be swallowed up within weeks. The new community protection unit will require tripling in size at a cost of £35 million a year, it is understood. Senior figures in the Met have welcomed the funding but are said to be furious that no longer-term funding has been pledged.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: 'I welcome the Government's £18 million funding, which has already paid for thousands of additional officer shifts at a time of exceptional pressure. But this funding is short-term and requires investment to sustain our policing response to this growing threat. A settled, long-term model built around local teams will be far more effective than repeated emergency responses.'
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated: 'Last week's abhorrent, anti-Semitic attack was a vile act of terrorism. The Government has announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres. We will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of anti-Semitism.'
Netanyahu's Warning
In a leaked letter from August 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer against being 'weak' and urged 'action' to stop anti-Semitic attacks. The letter criticised the Labour government for allowing a campaign of 'violence against Jews' to be 'amplified on your watch'. Netanyahu also blamed Starmer for 'pouring fuel on this anti-Semitic fire' by recognising the state of Palestine, which he branded an act of 'appeasement'. The letter set a deadline for action by September 23, 2025, the Jewish New Year, warning 'history will not forgive hesitation'.
