Jews suffer highest rate of religious hate crime in England and Wales, figures show

Jews Suffer Highest Rate of Religious Hate Crime in England and Wales

In the year ending March 2025, Jews experienced the highest rate of religious hate crimes in England and Wales, with 106 incidents per 10,000 population. This rate surpasses that of any other religious group, including Muslims, who faced 12 such crimes per 10,000 people.

Decline in Total Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes

While the per capita rate for Jews was the highest, the total number of anti-Jewish hate crimes recorded during this period decreased by 18%, from 2,093 to 1,715 incidents. This decline is partly attributed to changes in crime recording practices. Previously, major police forces accounted for a significant portion of all religious hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals.

Surge in Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes

In contrast, anti-Muslim hate crimes saw a significant increase of 19%, rising from 2,690 to 3,199 incidents. This surge is linked to heightened tensions following events that were initially misattributed to Muslim individuals. Despite the higher absolute number, the per capita rate for Muslims remains lower than that for Jews due to the larger Muslim population in the UK.

Overall Rise in Religious Hate Crimes

The total number of religious hate crimes in England and Wales reached a record high of 7,164 incidents, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. This rise reflects broader societal tensions and underscores the need for continued efforts to combat religious intolerance and promote community cohesion.

Government Response and Community Concerns

In response to these alarming statistics, the UK government has pledged additional funding to enhance security at places of worship and increase police patrols in areas with significant religious communities. However, community leaders express concern that these measures may not be sufficient to address the underlying issues contributing to religious hate crimes.

Jewish organizations emphasize the urgency of addressing antisemitism and extremist ideologies, calling for stronger community protection and accurate data reporting. Charities dedicated to safeguarding Jewish communities have reported a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly in urban areas with dense populations.

Conclusion

While the decrease in total anti-Jewish hate crimes is a positive development, the disproportionately high per capita rate underscores ongoing challenges in combating religious hate in the UK. The government and community organizations must collaborate to implement effective strategies that address the root causes of religious intolerance and ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their faith.

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