Best of the Spectator Quite right!: how antisemitism became a 'national emergency'
May 5, 2026
Discussion of the Golders Green attack and whether antisemitism in Britain has reached crisis levels. Exploration of Islamist extremism, hard-left anti‑Zionism and far‑right threats as drivers of violence. Debate over political responses, missed opportunities and controversial party figures. Conversation on migration, integration, youthful Muslim identities and the rising role of Islamist politics in the Palestinian cause.
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Anti-Semitism Has Grown Into A National Emergency
- Anti-Semitism in Britain has grown over two decades and is now described as a national emergency by Kemi Badenoch.
- Michael Simmons links the rise to post-9/11 trends and long-term growth with recent spikes prompting a Number 10 summit.
Islamist Extremism Drives Most Recent Attacks
- The dominant ideological driver of recent anti-Jewish violence is Islamist extremism, supplemented by hard-left apologism and a smaller far-right element.
- Madeline Grant and Michael Simmons stress Islamist groups supply the "darkest and most furious energy" behind attacks.
Forcing Jews To Condemn Israel Is A Form Of Anti‑Semitism
- Public debate often expects British Jews to denounce Israel to prove loyalty, which Michael calls explicitly anti‑Semitic.
- Requiring Jews to condemn Israeli actions creates a political ghetto and conditional safety.