Jews and racism

Only 17% actually feel unwelcome. A similar survey of EU migrants would have a much larger proportion feeling unwelcome over the last two years.

Can we afford to lose the Jews if such a number of them want to leave? I remember being astounded by the Trevor Phillips programme in which he stated the incredible wealth of Jewish people who make up a very small percentage of the population. It was really astonishing. No wonder the Conservatives appear not to be antisemitic.

I have tried to keep out of this discussion but please don't use the stereotype that all Jews are rich. Yes there are some who are but like any other ethnic group they reflect a cross section of society and many of them, especially the elderly, are in need.

Thanks Humbertbear for challenging one of the stereotypes of the Jewish community. If I can generalise, the Jewish community largely takes care of its own vulnerable elderly via the Synagogue and community organisations. That's one reason they are less visible when poverty amongst the elderly in particular is discussed.

"Only 17%" of the Jewish people questioned feel unwelcome (durhamjen 20 August). I am not defending those who don't make immigrants welcome but from the beginning of time, newcomers have often been treated with a degree of suspicion before being an established part of their community. The UK has had established Jewish communities for hundreds of years. The community in Manchester grew in the 19th century because of pogroms in Eastern Europe. Jewish families lives alongside recently arrived and equally poor Irish families, who were escaping starvation. The two communities helped each other, as those in need so often do. If the ancestors of those Jewish families feel unwelcome, there is a problem that can't be dismissed. I have friends who aren't thinking of leaving but are very concerned about what they perceive as growing anti semitism.

Only 17% feel unwelcome ? No problem then, not many votes for Corbyn at risk , the caring hard left !

I wasn't aiming to perpetuate a stereotype. I was just surprised at the factual information Trevor Phillips produced. As a former head of the Equal Opportunities Commission he's in a position to know this.
There was other information in the programme too about eg Romanians and also West Indians. People may remember the programme? It created a bit of a stir at the time.

ANY number of people feeling unwelcome because of ethnic or religious reasons is bad news. Singling out one group who have lived here for hundreds of years to say that "only" 17% of them feel unwanted seems to me to exhibit exactly the kind of attitude that has led to them feeling like that.

only 17%? Nothing that really is it?

Iam64, I too have close friends within the Manchester Jewish community and echo your thoughts that they are increasingly concerned about the growing anti semitism. The last few bar mitzvahs that we've attended have had guards patrolling the grounds because of threats of attacks, something that wasn't needed even 5 years ago. There has also been a reported increase in the number of assaults against members going to the synagogue on a Saturday.

But it's only 17% so they're probably OK.

Just picking on one section of society is not giving the full story, have you noticed how many people want to come in.

We are a very small country, cites in other parts of the wold have 20+ million people in them.

Now, I've noticed that none of the people spoken to want to move to Wales.

I thought the same Elegran,

An example of - for the many not the few

Playing down the fears of one part of the community by citing the fears of another group reminds me of that much-used quote from Martin Niemöller.

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me."

I was shocked to read that post dismissing those people, yes people, they too bleed, as only 17% . Shameful

Sorry Elegram, you didn't do the quote justice, we should always look for all of the information.

It would be interesting to know how many Londoners feel that they would like to live somewhere else- not necessarily another country but simply somewhere they feel safer. I am not dismissing the 17% who feel unwelcome but wonder if one of the largest Jewish communities is in Manchester why is there a regional difference? I do think that living in the South and particularly London is something many people of all races and religions do from economic necessity.

what difference ?

trisher, I think the key issue is its their Jewishness that makes them feel unsafe.

A brick with Jew marked in it and thrown through your window would make someone feel unsafe surely no matter if in or out if London.

So do you not think that Pakistanis, Muslims or people of West Indian origin don't feel unsafe either? I'm not dismissing the reason for their feelings just pointing out that many people in London feel equally unsafe. That it is possible to misrepresent the situation if you concentrate your research on one area. Arguably young men of any ethnic origin are the victims of far more violent crime than any other section of the population, but most of us would not regard this as a problem and would not consider them a group who are at risk. Research is always valuable, but accepting it without looking at the wider picture is unreasonable.

Anniebach, The difference is that I didn't start a new line and a capital letter where illtellhim did.

My memory was that the meaning (and information) flowed from one line to the next. I treated it as a series of sentences, not as poetry cut into lines.

Illtellhim has now tellt me otherwise, and doubtless feels most superior.

A kosher restaurant was recently attacked by arsonists in Manchester. Youths simply standing at a tram stop have been attacked. Anti semitism is on the rise and it's as unacceptable as racism against any other minority. To reduce it to "only 17% feel unwelcome " is a shocking statement to make.

If you are a stickler for absolute accuracy. Illtellhim, could you put an N at the end of my username, please, not an M?

Why is it that talking about anti semitism results in some people insisting we talk about every group that feels threatened or marginalised?
The reality is that the Jewish people have been subjected to hatred, intolerance and state sponsored murder to a huge extent.
It seems to me that the use of the word Zion as abusive is also on the rise.

But the question was how many EU citizens feel unwelcome here as well?- probably nearer 100%. Of course it isn't right that 17% feel unwelcome, but some of the posters on here should look at their attitudes to all people who live in this country and question why they feel so strongly about one section of the community but ignore others.

Elegran, you jest? No you don't , good grief . oh well my spelling will keep that poster busy

This is not about people from Pakistan, or about Muslims, it is about Jews. Let's not have more Muslim talk on this thread please