A hatred normalised: antisemitism in Britain

This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist examines the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in Britain, highlighting a series of violent attacks on Jewish individuals and institutions, including arson at a disused synagogue and the burning of Jewish ambulances in Golders Green. Despite a relatively small Jewish population—fewer than 300,000 in England and Wales—Jews face a disproportionately high number of hate crimes, with a sharp increase since the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel. The episode explores the complex motivations behind this surge, noting that anti-Semitism is no longer confined to one ideological camp but is embraced by far-left, far-right, and Islamist groups alike. British officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have responded with increased policing, £25 million in security funding, and promises of faster sentencing, while grappling with the delicate balance between free speech and curbing hate. Experts warn that societal normalization of anti-Semitic rhetoric—especially through slogans like 'globalized Antifada'—has emboldened extremists, raising fears among British Jews about their safety and future in the country. The episode also touches on historical parallels, such as the exodus of French Jews in the 2010s, and underscores the challenge of combating hate through law alone, emphasizing the need for civil society to actively reject such ideologies. In a separate segment, the show analyzes the shifting global luxury market, noting that American brands like Ralph Lauren and Coach are thriving amid a downturn in European luxury sales, thanks to more accessible pricing, better distribution control, and alignment with current fashion trends like preppy and 90s revival styles. The episode concludes with a profile of Argentina’s World Cup aspirations, focusing on Lionel Messi’s uncertain participation and the country’s political turbulence under President Javier Milei.