Antisemitism condemned

Evangelical churches in the UK have started to experience the impact of the significant increase in antisemitism since the start of the Israel-Gaza war on 7 October.

A church in Bridgend recently received a lengthy message through its online contact form saying: ‘It has become apparent that you fall into the category of dangerous Christians on account of your attitude to the Jewish people who are the biggest usurpers in the history of mankind … And yet the evangelical Christian world idolises them as though it was a duty to do so …’

Adam Thomas, pastor at Litchard Mission Church, said the individual who sent the message attended services there for a short time earlier this year, but he does not know what prompted the message. He said: ‘Antisemitism is evil, and I make no apologies for opposing and condemning it.’

Gavin Calver of the Evangelical Alliance UK said: ‘It is always the concern of the church to speak up against racism being shown to any people group within society. The recent reports of growing incidents of antisemitism are deeply concerning and I’d encourage all Christians to stand against this and do all they can to treat all people as those made in the image of God.’

• Antisemitic incidents in the UK have increased by 581% since Hamas’ attack on Israel, according to a Jewish security group.

The Community Security Trust (CST), which represents British Jews on issues of racism, said examples of antisemitic incidents included a threat made over the phone to a kosher shop, saying ‘we are coming to get you’. And ‘Free Palestine, kill Jews’ was shouted at the heart of a Jewish community.