Churches hit by antisemitism

A pastor, whose wife and children are Jewish, has reported several incidents of antisemitism targeting both him and his family – and his church building.

Regan Blanton King, a founding member of Islington church plant, The Angel Church, said one of their members has indicated an intention to back away from church. The individual asked, via email, if Regan’s wife, Rachel, would ‘apologise for Israel’s actions – as if she is responsible for any good or bad from Israel – and assuming a lot based on her Israel Defence Forces service’.

He said another professing Christian friend accused him of supporting ‘Zionist genocide’ and ‘expressed regret we were at his and his wife’s wedding’.

Regan added: ‘We have had our Muslim delivery drivers refuse delivery (caught on video) by not knocking; and in one case “Free Palestine” was written in Arabic on our parcel.

‘We have also been burgled in the church building, for the first time; our door lock vandalised with super glue; and a key broken off both of these in the same week. We believe this is because of our attachment to the church building and our display of an Israeli flag in the window. We’re certain of the culprit who has antisemitic motives.’

According to the Community Security Trust – a charity protecting British Jews from antisemitism – more than 1,205 antisemitic incidents in the UK were recorded in the 35 days from 7 October to 10 November. It was the highest number ever reported to CST in a 35-day period.