The vicious far-right attacks against hotels housing people seeking asylum, mosques, and minorities on the street, are also an assault on our society. Their violence and racism cannot – and will not – represent the UK. These appalling events must not be allowed to happen again.
But we also need to be clear that these riots did not happen in a vacuum. They come after years of demonisation and dehumanisation of displaced people, Muslims, and other minorities. Politicians and the media must communicate responsibly and reject narratives which sow division. As an organisation led by Jewish values and history – including our own refugee experience in the UK – we know all too well about where this rhetoric leads, and the impact it can have.
We stand in full solidarity with minorities who have been left terrified by these events, and with local people around the UK who refuse to let the far-right divide their communities. And as a country, we must ensure that refugees feel welcomed, committing to a more positive, compassionate narrative to stand against the far-right’s intimidation and fear.