According to the Community Security Trust, antisemitic occurrences in the UK increased dramatically in 2023, especially after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. There were 4,103 cases reported, a 589% rise over the previous year. Incidents at schools and universities increased significantly, and for the first time, occurrences were reported by all UK police regions.
There was an increase in online harassment, physical attacks, and property destruction. Remarkably, the term "Free Palestine" was frequently employed in deliberate intimidation. In contrast to earlier increases linked to Middle East conflicts, this one started as soon as the Hamas strike occurred, even before an Israeli military reaction. Opposition and government leaders denounced the rampant antisemitism and demanded immediate action. This is a "watershed moment" for the UK, according to the CST.
In response to the clear and present danger that British Jews have been facing for nearly a year, there is a brand new bus line in London, driving a direct route never before taken– the 310 line. It is already operational, running between Stamford Hill and Golders Green, is being called everything from a lifeline to a band-aid solution for the city's Jewish community.
Mayor Sadiq Khan was quite clear when he explained the route's purpose. In An interview with the BBC, he expalined, “They [London's Jews] were frightened because of a massive increase of antisemitism since Oct. 7 of last year. I was told stories by families who, when they changed buses from Stamford Hill to Golders Green at Finsbury Park, were frightened about the abuse they had received. We’ve heard stories about Jewish Londoners not leaving their homes because they’re worried about their safety. I don’t want any Londoner to be scared to leave their home because they’re worried about public transport. We’ve got to recognize the fear that Londoners feel who are Jewish; we’ve got to recognize the tremors of hate that are felt by Jewish people across the country. We’ve got to be good allies to our Jewish friends and neighbors.”
Rabbi Dovid Lichtig, Chief Executive of the Interlink Foundation, said: "We welcome the introduction of the new 310 bus route, which will significantly enhance connectivity between our communities in Golders Green and Stamford Hill."
The 310 bypasses the problematic area of Finsbury Park entirely and is a direct response to a surge in antisemitic incidents since last October, but it's also opened up a can of worms about segregation and safety in public spaces.
Meanwhile, the buses keep rolling every 20 minutes, packed with passengers grateful for the direct route. For now, it seems, the 310 is here to stay.
* Yeshiva World News and The Guardian contributed to this article.
