"We're used to having security" says Jewish leader amid rise in reports of antisemitic hate crime

West Midlands Police has recorded a sharp rise in reports of antisemitic hate crime over the last two years. Credit: PA

Reports of antisemitic hate crime made to West Midlands Police have more than trebled over the past two years, according to a new freedom of information request.

Between October 2022 and September 2023, the force received 23 reports of antisemitic hate crime.

There were 83 reports of antisemitic hate crime between October 2023 and September 2024 - more than triple that of the year before.

Ruth Jacobs, Lay leader of Birmingham & West Midlands Jewish Community, said: "We are very aware of the fact that there are demonstrations nearly every week in the West Midlands.

"This has increased the anxiety levels in the community who are somewhat scared of the intensity of the feeling

"I go to visit other places of worship and you knock at the door or it's open and you can come in - that's how it should be.

"We're used to having to have security now."

Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.

The force recorded a sharp increase in antisemitic offences after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict during autumn 2023.

In October 2023, there were 20 reports of antisemitic hate crime - compared to 14 reports from January to the end of September that year.

West Midlands Police says it does not tolerate any form of discrimination and says it has seen an overall reduction of hate crimes over the last 12 months.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...