Gordon Brown 'troubled' by CST antisemitism report

The Community Security Trust recorded more antisemitic incidents in 2009 than in any other year since records began 26 years ago.

Releasing its annual figures for last year, the CST confirmed that 924 incidents were reported, including violent assaults, desecration of property and death threats.

The 69 per cent rise on 2008 followed an “unprecedented” number of antisemitic attacks recorded in January and February last year, during and after the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Around a quarter of cases included references to Gaza.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown called the rise in antisemitism “deeply troubling”. He said debate over the Middle East conflict was welcome, but “no strength of feeling can ever justify violent extremism or attacks and we will stand firm against all those who would use anti-Israeli feeling as an excuse or disguise for antisemitism and attacks on the Jewish community.

“Whether online, on campus or on the streets, there is absolutely no place for racism or discrimination of any sort and the CST has my wholehearted support.” More

Judah Passow's Jewish Britain