The Archbishop of Canterbury has urged all parts of society to confront hatred towards Jewish communities and described antisemitism in the UK as “completely unacceptable” during a visit to a London Jewish centre.
Speaking at the Sternberg Centre for Judaism in north London, Most Rev Dame Sarah Mullally praised the “vibrant life” and contribution of Britain’s Jewish communities, while warning of the “terrifying reality” faced by many Jewish people today.
Her remarks come amid heightened concern over the safety of Jewish communities following a rise of antisemitic attacks. Last month, the UK’s independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) raised the national threat level from “substantial” to “severe”, meaning an attack is considered highly likely within the next six months. The decision followed a stabbing in the Golders Green area, alongside other antisemitic incidents, including arson attacks.
During her visit, Archbishop Sarah said Jewish schools and places of worship had increasingly been targeted, with security now a routine part of daily life for many Jewish families.
“As a parent myself, I cannot imagine how frightening it must be to drop your children off at school and worry about them making it home safely without fear of harassment or attack,” she said.
She continued: “It’s on all of us – every single member of our society – to call out antisemitism whenever we see it, and to oppose it without hesitation or qualification".
The Archbishop said the Church of England stood in solidarity with Jewish communities and that this must be reflected in both words and action, alongside cooperation across faith groups to tackle hatred and intolerance.
She also praised the work of the Movement for Progressive Judaism at the Sternberg Centre, including theological training at Leo Baeck College and wider community outreach programmes.
Speaking about the visit, Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Charley said: “We are living through a time when loud voices are trying to deepen divisions between communities, and especially between faith communities.
“To have the Archbishop of Canterbury with us at such a moment was a powerful act of solidarity and care. Her presence meant a great deal at a time of rising antisemitism, and we are grateful for her clear support and willingness to stand with our community.
“Her visit also pointed to better vision of public life, one in which faith communities and minorities recognise one another’s dignity, stand alongside each other, and work together for the common good.
“Her presence meant a great deal at a time of rising antisemitism, and we are grateful for her clear support and willingness to stand with our community.
“We were able to share with her the breadth and depth of our communities across the four nations, and to speak about the faithful and often unseen work they do every day.”