Scared and angry London Jews feel UK isn't fighting antisemitism

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing episode from May 3, 2026, opens with a somber discussion on rising anti-Semitism in London, focusing on the recent stabbing attack in Golders Green that left two Jewish men injured. Host Jessica Steinberg and correspondent Zev Stubb explore the deep sense of fear and anger within the local Jewish community, who feel abandoned by the UK government despite a string of escalating anti-Semitic incidents over the past two and a half years—including arson attacks on Hatzalah ambulances, synagogue assaults, and the tragic Yom Kippur attack at Heaton Park. The community is demanding more than symbolic gestures, questioning whether increased security funding will truly address systemic failures. The conversation then shifts to Israel’s real estate landscape, using Kiryat Shmona in the north and the planned ultra-Orthodox city of Plugot near Kiryat Gat as case studies. In Kiryat Shmona, the war with Hezbollah has led to a 40% population decline, economic stagnation, and the collapse of its high-tech startup ecosystem. Meanwhile, the government is offering financial incentives to attract residents to the north, including tax exemptions and monthly grants. In the south, the debate over building new Haredi cities in the Negev highlights tensions between demographic growth, religious autonomy, and economic sustainability. While these cities could preserve a Jewish majority in the Negev and reduce pressure on secular neighborhoods, concerns remain about their long-term viability, reliance on state subsidies, and potential for increased religious isolation. The episode concludes with a reflection on how real estate serves as a mirror to national priorities and societal fractures. Key takeaways include: 1) The Jewish community in London feels abandoned by the government amid escalating anti-Semitism, demanding systemic change beyond token security funding; 2) The war has devastated northern Israeli cities like Kiryat Shmona, with lasting economic and social consequences; 3) Government incentives are being used to revitalize the north, but long-term success depends on infrastructure and employment; 4) The proposed Haredi cities in the Negev aim to address housing shortages and demographic concerns but face serious economic and political challenges; 5) Real estate trends reveal deeper national tensions around identity, security, and regional development. The overall tone is one of cautious concern mixed with cautious hope, reflecting the complexity of rebuilding in times of crisis.