New project launched to tackle antisemitism

A project has been launched to raise awareness of antisemitism and to help schools tackle it.

The Bath and North East Somerset Faith Foundation secured £5,000 to organise events in the county to discuss what antisemitism is and how to respond to it.

According to the foundation, faith-based hate crimes have increased over the last six years.

Nathan Hartley, Director of the B&NES Faith Foundation, said: "No one should have to suffer from hate because of their beliefs, culture, background or ethnicity."

"Every person has the right to believe in any faith or no faith, and to be proud of their cultural heritage," he added.

The project is being funded by the Medlock Trust, Westhill Endowment and the Sarum Educational Charity.

In 2023 and 2024, the Home Office's annual hate crime statistics show there were 5,627 religious or other faith-based hate crimes across the UK.

Of these, 22% were antisemetic in nature.

Most incidents reported to police included verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, harassment and offensive language.

Mr Hartley added: "The 2010 Equality Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of religion or belief, or because of a lack of religion or belief.

"In response, we are launching this new initiative that will provide free resources to schools, colleges, businesses and charities on what antisemitism is and how to respond to it."

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