A number of politicians, including Faith Minister Eric Pickles, have criticised the rise of anti-Semitic attacks in the UK.
Their comments come amidst conflict taking place in Israel and Gaza which is thought to be fomenting anti-Jewish feeling.
Police in London and Manchester have reported a “significant” rise in anti-Jewish attacks over the last four months.
Punishment
Pickles criticised the anti-Semitic attacks taking place in Britain and said those who perpetrate them should be held fully accountable.
He told the Daily Express: “Whatever one’s views about Israel and Gaza, there is absolutely no place in our country for anti-Semitic attacks.
“Those who commit hate crimes should expect to be punished with the full force of the law.”
Deep concerns
The Community Security Trust, a charity which works for the safety of the Jewish community in Britain, said that it recorded 240 anti-Jewish attacks last month.
Speaking in the House of Lords, Conservative Peer Lord Leigh of Hurley said: “Many Jews in this country feel that their security is threatened and their safety prejudiced.”
Responding to Lord Leigh’s comments, Communities Minister Lord Ahmed said: “As a Muslim, I totally condemn anti-Semitism wherever it is found” and, “the Government is deeply concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism across Europe.”
Sinister agenda
Conservative MP Andrew Percy, who recently wrote about a visit to Israel, told the Daily Express: “There is no doubt that some of those who have hijacked the Palestinian issue have a more sinister agenda and it’s simply about anti-Semitism.
“I am embarrassed. It utterly disgusts me that in 21st century Britain, a country that went to the rescue of Jews in Europe in World War Two, we have people marching through the streets with offensive and anti-Semitic signs”.
Intolerance
Earlier this month, Eric Pickles was given the role of Faith Minister in a move criticised by a secularist campaigner.
In a speech last year, he said: “In recent years long standing British liberties of freedom of religion have been undermined by the intolerance of aggressive secularism.”