There’s been a staggering 41% increase in anti-Semitic hate crime over the last year. What specific work is being done to ensure these crimes against London’s Jewish communities are dealt with swiftly and robustly and what work is being done with Jewish communities in London to listen to and understand their concerns?

Both the Commissioner and I take anti-Semitism very seriously and have taken significant steps to address it. The increase in the past year was largely due to a reaction to conflict in the Middle East in May. I was pleased to see the robust MPS response to those incidents and, in the immediate aftermath, my Deputy Mayors for Policing and Crime, and Communities and Social Justice met with Jewish community leaders to listen to their concerns and explore how to work together and build community cohesion. My Shared Endeavour Fund supports this aim by funding projects that specifically address anti-Semitism.

Thankfully, the number of reports has since returned to the level before those events. However, anti-Semitism no place in our City and I support the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in taking robust action when it does occur.

MOPAC and the MPS continues to work with Jewish community organisations who have helped the MPS develop reassurance and preventative policing plans across London.  I have also increased the investment in supporting victims of hate crime, including specialist support for victims of anti-Semitism.