Jewish Refugee Groups Stand Firm Amid Far-Right Harassment

0:00On March 13th, Jewish refugee groups in the U.K. are standing firm against rising harassment from far-right activists as they continue supporting asylum. Seekers, Rabbi David Mason, who leads the charity IS Plus J-Core, says the abuse will not stop their work with displaced people. Online attacks have ramped up, fueled by anti-Semitic conspiracy theories that blame Jews for immigration issues. These echo-dangerous ideas linked to past violence, like the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting in 2018. At a recent refugee Shabbat of Venon London, community leaders from Jewish and other faiths gather to show solidarity. Around 60 synagogues and student groups are hosting events this weekend, including discussions and meals focused on welcoming refugees. Mason highlighted long-running programs like the Jumper Friending Scheme, now in its 20th year which pairs volunteers with unaccompanied teens, and young adults up to age 25 for social and practical help. Despite tensions from the Israel Gaza conflict straining some interfaith ties, local efforts remain strong, rooted in Jewish traditions of compassion, from a history of exile.

1:10Mason warns that without direct community connections, divisions could deepen further.