‘Lost faith in British society’: UK Jewish community leader says he’s moving to Israel amid rising antisemitism
By Zev Stub Today, 9:06 pm - Jeremy Jacobs, a former head of the UK’s United Synagogue, says he is leaving Britain for Israel after losing faith in British society amid rising antisemitism since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. In a letter submitted to The Telegraph, Jacobs says he has “lost faith in British society” and recently put his family home up for sale and is “making arrangements to start a life in Israel” with his wife, Karen. “When I walk around London with my kippah on I’m always fearful,” Jacobs says, adding that he no longer believes most people would come to the defense of Jews facing harassment. Antisemitism in Britain had intensified in universities and public spaces, says Jacobs, whose family has lived in Britain since the 1850s. He recalls being verbally harassed near University College London while walking with his grandchildren shortly after the October 7 attack, and says his grandchildren are “suffering” because they go to Jewish schools. In spite of concerns about security in Israel during wartime, Jacobs says he feels a stronger sense of safety in Israel than in Britain. “When I walk in Israel, even in a war zone, I feel at home,” he says. “In London, where we live, that feeling has gone.” https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HJLQWx8WUAAuiej?format=png&name=small