The UK Jewish Community has many enemies; the UK Government is not one of them

In the weeks following the horrific Manchester synagogue attack, the UK Jewish community remains fearful for what the future holds.

The threat of action upon the rising antisemitic hatred that gained traction across the entire political spectrum, has left much of Anglo-Jewry questioning whether the country we call home remains safe. Ever more so, the atrocity committed on Yom Kippur should be sufficient evidence to most that this is a worthwhile concern.

When there are so many in our society who seek to make our lives miserable, it makes little sense that some are instead seeking to go after the Government, which has consistently been a friend of the community.

In the days following the Manchester attack, the Prime Minister made clear that he would do all he could to defend the Jewish community across the country. Words were soon met with action, as Sir Keir Starmer announced a £10 million boost to CST funding. 

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ordered a review into antisemitism in the NHS. This involves the introduction of mandatory training for staff, but will also take a more holistic view on how healthcare regulators tackle antisemitism.

As well as this, many months ago now, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed that Holocaust education would become mandatory in all schools, following the Curriculum and Assessment Review.

From these few examples, and many more I will not outline for the sake of brevity, it is clear that the Government is taking actions to protect the Jewish community in the short term, while looking at how longer-term measures can also ensure a safer society for us. 

Should we encourage the Government to do more? Of course. But we should not pretend that they are not on our side. I am well aware that this will not convince all readers, many of whom will point to individuals in the Cabinet as not being true friends of the community.

Take the Prime Minister himself, I have repeatedly heard criticism that Starmer sat by Jeremy Corbyn during his time as Labour leader.

While a fair criticism, it is of note that Starmer was one of the stronger forces within Corbyn’s Shadow Cabinet who tried to spur action against the antisemitism festering in the party.

Once he became leader in 2020, he quickly acted, purging the party of antisemites and overseeing the suspension and eventual expulsion of Corbyn. Starmer did not need to do this, and it opened him to significant attacks from the party’s left flank, but he did it anyway, despite the political risks. 

Another example is David Lammy, who was recently heckled at a vigil for the victims of the Manchester attack. In 2018, Lammy, who is now Deputy Prime Minister, attended a rally protesting against antisemitism in the Labour Party. He received significant criticism from the left for this and was even threatened with deselection.

It makes little sense to heckle someone who risked their political future to defend the Jewish community. In a political world where principles are often betrayed for self-interest, Lammy’s actions were admirable.

One can go through the rest of Starmer’s Cabinet and find numerous other allies, and I implore readers to do so. 

Finally, it is worth addressing the Government’s stance on Israel. I have heard many criticise Starmer heavily for recognising Palestine as a state, with accusations that such a move “rewards Hamas terrorism”.  Such accusations are not serious. Hamas’ despicable attacks on 7 October  were not about creating a two-state solution, they were about destroying the State of Israel.

By recognising a Palestinian state, the Government has further ostracised Hamas on the international stage, as Arab leaders now consider how an alternative, more moderate group can be set up to control Gaza and the West Bank.

The Government should not be condemned for seeking a peaceful solution which better protects both Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Overall, then, the Government has taken positive steps in protecting the Jewish community, the Cabinet is filled with politicians friendly to us, and the decision to recognise a Palestinian state could lead to a more peaceful future for all.

The world is filled with groups who hate the Jewish people, the UK Government is not one of them.