Jewish students and residents in Birmingham report a surge in antisemitic abuse and threats, leaving members of the community describing the situation as “terrifying”. Recent incidents highlight a worrying trend of harassment, intimidation, and hate-driven attacks across the city.

Surge in Antisemitic Incidents

Freedom of Information figures reveal that recorded hate crimes against Jewish people in the West Midlands nearly doubled between 2022 and 2025, rising from 27 to 53 incidents. The increase is largely driven by public order offences, although incidents of arson, criminal damage, and violence against persons have also risen.

Prof Elliot Ludwig, an academic based in Birmingham, reported dozens of examples of anti-Jewish graffiti and imagery, including banners, posters, and stickers, but said he has seen little response from local authorities.

“I have reported at least a dozen examples of violent slogans. I have seen no evidence of any action taken. A lot of the graffiti still sits there,” Prof Ludwig said.

Disturbing Personal Experiences

Two Jewish students, who asked to remain anonymous, described being chased, shouted at, and intimidated outside their home.

“People started screaming at us in their car and chasing us. We ran home and got safe, but they sort of persisted outside our house.”

The students recounted hearing slurs such as “Don’t go here, dirty Jews” and said they now feel unsafe walking around Birmingham, particularly at night or while wearing visibly Jewish clothing.

One student added:

“I’d much rather be [in Israel] in a bomb shelter, as I have been, than here in Birmingham.”

Recent Examples of Antisemitic Abuse

• A synagogue answerphone threat warning members that anyone seen outside could have their heads blown off. One individual received a suspended prison sentence for sending communications threatening death or serious harm.
• Verbal abuse in a supermarket targeting a student wearing a kippah, telling him he should be ashamed and referencing the Holocaust.
• Two students followed home by a group of men in a car, shouted at, and harassed across multiple days. West Midlands Police are investigating this as a religiously aggravated incident.

Graffiti and posters featuring messages such as “Death 2 the IDF” and anti-Zionist slogans have also appeared across the city. Some images include subtle pro-Hamas iconography, heightening concern among local Jewish residents.

Community and Police Response

The Community Security Trust (CST), which supports Jewish communities facing antisemitism, recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents across the UK between January and June 2025, including 39 incidents in the West Midlands, the fifth highest number in England and Wales. The CST noted that these were fueled by reactions to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Ruth Jacobs, chair of the Birmingham and West Midlands Jewish Community, said increased security at synagogues has become necessary:

“You don’t go past a church and see a security guard outside wearing a stab vest. This has come as a very big shock to all the Jewish community.”

West Midlands Police emphasized that they will investigate hate crimes and criminal damage reports, stating:

“We will always support and facilitate peaceful protest. We respect the right of people to express different views. However, words have meanings and consequences.”

Broader Context

The rise in antisemitic incidents comes after two gunmen targeted a Hanukkah event in Sydney, killing 15 people, and highlights the ongoing fear within Jewish communities worldwide. Prof Ludwig and other members of Birmingham’s Jewish community stressed that these incidents have made residents feel unsafe in their own city.

“Since the 7 October terrorist attacks, there has been an outbreak across the country, but particularly here in Birmingham, of graffiti, posters, and protests that make us feel unwelcome,” said Prof Ludwig.

With the city experiencing a heightened risk environment, Jewish students and families report feeling vulnerable, with some considering leaving Birmingham after completing their studies.