Sector figures including NCVO chief executive Kate Lee are today attending a meeting at Number 10 Downing Street to discuss a collective response to rising antisemitism in the country.
Prime minister Keir Starmer invited representatives from business, civil society, health, culture, higher education and policing to the event following the stabbing of two Jewish men in north London suburb Golders Green last week.
A series of recent attacks on the Jewish community, including the destruction of four ambulances operated by Jewish medical service charity Hatzola last month, has led to the UK’s national threat level being raised to severe.
Starmer is convening the event, in which attendees will meet Jewish community representatives and reflect on the forms antisemitism takes in their sectors, the work they are already doing to tackle it and what more can be done.
The government has also announced additional funding to protect Jewish communities.
Starmer was due to say: “It is not enough to simply say we stand with Jewish communities. We must show it. And that responsibility lies with each and every one of us.
“That is what today is about. Because only by working together, can we eradicate antisemitism from every corner of society.”
Lee, who recently chaired the first Civil Society Council meeting at Number 10, said on social media: “I have been asked to attend this session today with a range of Jewish Community Leaders and charity representatives.
“It feels a positive sign of the strengthening government relationships that the voluntary sector is around these tables.
“We have much to offer in ensuring the voice of those affected shapes the decisions that affects them.
“I do not profess to be an expert on this topic but know that NCVO will be in a good place to mobilise the good will of our members and other infrastructure bodies to support how we can.”
The attack in Golders Green on Wednesday morning last week, being treated as a terrorist incident by police, prompted statements of solidarity from other charity sector figures including Charity Commission CEO David Holdsworth and ACEVO boss Jane Ide.
A man named Essa Suleiman has been charged with two counts of attempted murder in relation to the attack.
He has also been charged with attempted murder in relation to a separate incident on the same date in Great Dover Street.
