Antisemitic incidents in the United Kingdom rose sharply during the first half of 2026, with physical attacks against Jews soaring 82% compared with the same period last year, according to a new report from the Community Security Trust (CST).

The report recorded 1,926 antisemitic incidents between January and June, a 21% increase from the 1,598 reported during the first half of 2025. That averages 321 incidents per month—nearly double the monthly average before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

CST documented 135 physical assaults during the six-month period, along with a 59% increase in antisemitic incidents at schools and a 31% rise in incidents connected to synagogues. Among the most serious attacks was the stabbing of two Chareidi men in London’s Golders Green neighborhood on April 29, which CST said was followed by 71 additional antisemitic incidents over the next three days.

The report also cited a series of arson attacks targeting synagogues and Jewish community property in London, including the burning of Hatzalah ambulances. Some of the attacks were attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a group later banned by the British government.

CST said antisemitic incidents increased further after the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran earlier this year. CST CEO Mark Gardner warned that the attacks reflect threats ranging from Iran-backed activity to Islamist extremism, the far right, the far left, and other extremist ideologies.

British Policing Minister Sarah Jones called the figures “horrifying” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the Jewish community. She noted that Britain has committed £250 million over the next three years to strengthen security at Jewish schools, synagogues, and community institutions.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)