Murderous antisemitism and extremism must be rooted out of UK once and for all

Today's headlines read like those from our "worst-case scenario" drills. For years, especially the last two years, those of us working in the Jewish community have asked ourselves not if such an attack would happen, but when. Yesterday, that day came. Jews were attacked and murdered on our holiest day of the year for no reason other than that they were Jewish To have to write those words in Britain in 2025 is truly heartbreaking. And yet, in the current climate of rampant antisemitism it is not at all surprising.

This is why we have pushed so hard for protection of synagogues and community buildings. But there is so much more that needs to be done. The security given is an acknowledgment of the issue, but it's a sticking plaster and adding more security and a visible police presence is vital but is just a bandage on top of the plaster. We need to deal with the root of the problem. Murderous antisemitism and the extremist ideologies that are allowed to fester in our midst.

Today we must confront the hard truths. I do not want to hear solidarity from politicians who have defended use of the term "globalise the intifada" or turned a blind eye to it being used on our streets.

What happened yesterday is exactly what globalising the intifada looks like. Nor do I want to hear from those who have purposely stoked tensions between communities for electoral gain.

I want to see tougher action on mosques who use their platforms to spew hatred and antisemitism. The examples are countless, especially since the atrocities of October 7th. A slap on the wrist from the Charity Commission is not going to prevent what we saw yesterday.

What is the government's integration strategy for those coming from countries where antisemitism is par for the course? How do we balance the need to make sure we are compassionate and allow in people fleeing persecution with the need to keep Britons safe?

Last night, I spoke to the Prime Minister who wanted to offer his condolences and share his grief given this heinous terror attack. He acknowledged that something needs to be done and that conversations with the Jewish community leadership will be prioritised in the coming days and weeks. I thanked him and made clear that beyond the welcome support for security, we need to make sure we root out the cause.

We have allowed hatred against Jews to become normalised and warm words won't cut it. There must be a concerted effort to eradicate extremism and antisemitism wherever it is found in modern Britain. British Jews deserve to be able to live our lives and practice our faith without fear.

Now the victims have been named, I offer my sincere condolences to their families of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby. Two human beings with families, friends, colleagues and doubtless full, rich lives, who simply wanted to pray. May their memories forever be a blessing.