The weight of identity has become increasingly heavy for British Jews, marked by a surge in both overt hostility and subtle prejudice. From everyday microaggressions to violent attacks, the climate has shifted, forcing many to consider their safety in ways previously unimaginable.

A Moment of Reflection

The author recounts a recent visit to the hairdresser, seeking a sleek blow-dry to minimize the appearance of her naturally curly hair – affectionately termed a ‘Jew-fro’ within the community. She pondered if straightening her hair would allow her to ‘pass’ as belonging to a different ethnicity and potentially avoid unwanted attention during pro-Palestine marches.

The Banality of Fear

This seemingly trivial thought, she notes, felt profoundly significant in the wake of a recent double stabbing in Golders Green, a London suburb with a large Jewish population. The incident underscored the insidious nature of the prejudice now faced by the Jewish community.

Visible Markers of Identity

Many Jews are now acutely aware of how physical markers of their identity can invite hostility. The stabbing of Moshe Shine, a 76-year-old man attacked while waiting for a bus in Golders Green for simply wearing a kippa, exemplifies this danger.

Altered Behaviors

Such incidents have led to changes in behavior. The author has removed her Jewish surname from her Uber account due to negative experiences with drivers, and feels apprehensive when delivery drivers notice the mezuzah on her doorframe. Even using her phone to read Jewish news in public now prompts nervous glances.

Experiences of Hostility

During anti-Israel protests, the author urged her husband to conceal his Israeli flag lapel pin while traveling through East London. A friend’s elderly mother was confronted on the Underground by a man who blamed Jews for recent events after noticing her Star of David necklace. She was reportedly terrified, and her son has since advised her to stop wearing the necklace, though she refuses.

Online Abuse

The author has also experienced significant online abuse, including being labeled a ‘Jewish supremacist,’ having her profile picture altered with hateful imagery, and receiving threatening messages.

The Complexities of Zionism

Some claim their hatred is directed at ‘Zionists,’ not Jews, but the author argues that for many Jews, Zionism is integral to their identity. The attack on a synagogue in Manchester, where worshippers were targeted regardless of their views on Israeli politics, demonstrates that antisemitism is not solely about political disagreements.

Ultimately, the author concludes that antisemitism is about the erasure of Jewish identity itself.