Survey Reveals Deep Insecurity Among British Jews as Significant Proportion Feel Unwelcome and Contemplate Leaving the UK
Polling finds less than half of British Jews feel welcome in the country and many doubt a long-term future amid rising antisemitism
A recent survey of British Jews has laid bare profound concerns within the community about their sense of belonging, personal safety and long-term future in the United Kingdom, with less than half saying they feel welcome and many contemplating emigration in response to rising antisemitism.
Conducted by the Campaign Against Antisemitism and released earlier this year, the poll canvassed over four thousand self-identified Jewish respondents from across the country, capturing attitudes shaped by a marked surge in hostile incidents and public unease since October 2023.
The findings show that just under half of British Jews reported feeling welcome in the UK, while barely a third believe that Jews have a long-term future in the country.
Around half of respondents said they had considered leaving Britain due to the uptick in antisemitic occurrences and a climate of growing social hostility.
A substantial majority of those surveyed also said they hide visible signs of their Jewish identity, such as religious dress or symbols, when in public to avoid discrimination or abuse.
These behaviours reflect deep anxiety over the potential for harassment, threats and bias in everyday life.
Respondents expressed concerns about public institutions and law enforcement, with many reporting low confidence that authorities are doing enough to address antisemitism or protect Jewish citizens.
The survey underscored dissatisfaction with how protests and public demonstrations are policed, as well as broader frustration with political and cultural leadership’s perceived response to hate incidents.
Younger British Jews reported even higher levels of uncertainty about their future in the UK, with a large proportion having seriously considered relocation abroad as a result of their experiences.
These poll results illuminate the intense and evolving debate within British society over antisemitism, social cohesion and the responsibilities of government and civil society to ensure all communities feel secure and welcomed.
While British Jewish organisations and civil rights advocates have called for strengthened protections and more proactive engagement from authorities, the data highlights an urgent need to bridge trust and address the underlying causes of fear within one of the country’s historic minority communities.
Community leaders emphasise that acknowledging these concerns and safeguarding Jewish life in Britain is critical to sustaining the nation’s multicultural fabric and ensuring long-term social harmony for future generations.
Conducted by the Campaign Against Antisemitism and released earlier this year, the poll canvassed over four thousand self-identified Jewish respondents from across the country, capturing attitudes shaped by a marked surge in hostile incidents and public unease since October 2023.
The findings show that just under half of British Jews reported feeling welcome in the UK, while barely a third believe that Jews have a long-term future in the country.
Around half of respondents said they had considered leaving Britain due to the uptick in antisemitic occurrences and a climate of growing social hostility.
A substantial majority of those surveyed also said they hide visible signs of their Jewish identity, such as religious dress or symbols, when in public to avoid discrimination or abuse.
These behaviours reflect deep anxiety over the potential for harassment, threats and bias in everyday life.
Respondents expressed concerns about public institutions and law enforcement, with many reporting low confidence that authorities are doing enough to address antisemitism or protect Jewish citizens.
The survey underscored dissatisfaction with how protests and public demonstrations are policed, as well as broader frustration with political and cultural leadership’s perceived response to hate incidents.
Younger British Jews reported even higher levels of uncertainty about their future in the UK, with a large proportion having seriously considered relocation abroad as a result of their experiences.
These poll results illuminate the intense and evolving debate within British society over antisemitism, social cohesion and the responsibilities of government and civil society to ensure all communities feel secure and welcomed.
While British Jewish organisations and civil rights advocates have called for strengthened protections and more proactive engagement from authorities, the data highlights an urgent need to bridge trust and address the underlying causes of fear within one of the country’s historic minority communities.
Community leaders emphasise that acknowledging these concerns and safeguarding Jewish life in Britain is critical to sustaining the nation’s multicultural fabric and ensuring long-term social harmony for future generations.
