In August 2023, a Jewish man walking in Manchester city centre was assaulted when he was kicked in the leg and threatened with death. The attacker told the victim, "you kill Palestinians," when asked why he had been assaulted.

The Community Security Trust (CST), dedicated to protecting Jewish communities in the UK, reported that a total of 3,528 anti-Jewish hate incidents were recorded in the UK in 2024. This marks the second-highest annual total ever documented, reflecting an 18% decrease from the 4,296 incidents reported in 2023, which was fueled by responses to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 that year.

In Greater Manchester, where the largest Jewish community outside Greater London resides, there were 480 reported incidents of anti-Jewish hate in total. Although this is a 13% decline from 2023, it remains the second-highest level recorded.

The CST highlighted that these statistics indicate a "sustained level of anti-Semitism" across the UK, suggesting that the situation in the Middle East has influenced both the volume and nature of anti-Semitism in 2024.

The August assault in Manchester was documented as one of several case studies in the CST's annual report. The victim, described as 'visibly Jewish,' was approached from behind, kicked, and threatened when he attempted to pursue his attacker.

In a separate incident in December, a 'Free Palestine' sticker was placed on a public chanukiah in the Stockport area. Although not deemed 'inherently anti-Semitic' by the CST, it was noted that in 355 cases, such phrases were directed hostilely at Jewish individuals or institutions.

The charity reported a significant volume of anti-Jewish hate within schools, recording 63 incidents at Jewish schools in 2024, down from 88 in 2023. Additionally, there were 88 incidents involving Jewish schoolchildren outside school, and 109 incidents targeting Jewish individuals at non-faith schools.

Moreover, the CST documented 1,240 cases of online anti-Semitism in 2024, marking the second-highest total in any year.

Among the 480 anti-Semitic incidents in Greater Manchester, 161 occurred in Manchester itself, with significant numbers also reported in Bury (129), Salford (115), Trafford (26), and Stockport (16).

Notably, nine cases occurred on Greater Manchester's transport network, and seven were online incidents involving individuals known to be based in Manchester.

Worryingly, the CST reported 202 cases of what it termed 'assault and extreme violence,' with incidents documented across various locations including Salford and Bury.

The CST's report underscored that the presence of Jewish communities may be perceived by offenders as a threat to their own culture, and highlighted that 66% of the total recorded anti-Semitic incidents in 2024 occurred in Greater London and Greater Manchester.

In a statement, the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region noted the surge in hate crimes following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, calling it a concerning trend where individuals are looking to import conflict onto local streets.

The charity urged all individuals to reject anti-Semitism and stand in solidarity with the Jewish community during these difficult times.

In 2024, the CST recorded 70 incidents linked to political parties or their supporters during a year that included a general election.

CST Chief Executive Mark Gardner expressed pride in providing support to British Jews, emphasizing the heightened levels of hatred faced by the community.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the anti-Semitism figures as "unacceptably high," affirming that such hatred must not be tolerated and pledging the government's commitment to ensuring freedom from fear for Britain's Jewish communities.