Women’s Aid, Refuge, Rape Crisis and Muslim Women’s Network UK are
among organisations condemning rising antisemitism and its heightened
impact on Jewish victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence
Eighty leading organisations working to end violence against women and girls have
backed a call to action against antisemitism led by Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA), the
UK Jewish community’s sole support service for women and children affected by
domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Major national organisations, faith based and minority groups from across the sector
were among 80 signatories to the open letter (published in full below) – as well as
London’s Victims’ Commissioner Andrea Simon.
Major bodies include: Women’s Aid, Refuge, Rape Crisis England & Wales, SafeLives
and the End Violence Against Women Coalition. They are joined by a broad coalition
of faith and minority community organisations, including: Muslim Women’s Network
UK, Sikh Women’s Aid, Christian domestic abuse charity Restored, Kaur Lab UK CIC,
Ashiana Network, Shakti Women’s Aid, Panahghar, Roshni and the Church of
Scotland’s Integrity Task Group on Gender Based Violence.

The letter, which is published today, reads: “As organisations and leaders committed
to ending violence against women and girls (VAWG), and to building a society rooted
in safety, dignity and justice, we stand in solidarity with the Jewish community at a
time of deeply concerning increases in antisemitism.

“Following the terror attacks in Heaton Park Synagogue and Golders Green,
alongside the spate of arson attacks targeting Jewish spaces, we recognise that the
Jewish community is experiencing heightened fear in their schools, synagogues,
workplaces and public spaces. Antisemitism is not an abstract issue; it has profound
emotional, psychological and physical consequences for those targeted by it.”
The letter, the first of its kind, goes on to recognise the double-impact of antisemitism
on Jewish victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

It reads: “As leaders in the VAWG sector, we recognise that for women and children
experiencing domestic abuse, these harms can be especially acute. Survivors who
are already living with abuse and trauma should never have to navigate fear because
of their Jewish identity as well.”
The signed letter continues: “We commit to actively challenging antisemitism
wherever it appears, to ensuring our spaces are safe and inclusive for Jewish women
and families, and to standing in solidarity with the Jewish community now and in the
future.

“At a time of fear and uncertainty, we stand with Jewish Women’s Aid and send a clear
message to the Jewish community: you are not alone.”
JWA CEO Sam Clifford, who initiated the letter in a call for the sector to openly
stand with the Jewish community, said: “At a time when many Jewish people are
feeling frightened, vulnerable and increasingly isolated, this extraordinary show of
solidarity means more than words can express.

“The recent attacks on Jewish spaces have left many questioning their safety and
sense of belonging in this country. What this campaign has shown is that there are
allies across every faith, background and community who are prepared to stand up
and be counted. Almost 80 organisations answered our call, sending a clear
message that antisemitism has no place in our society and that the Jewish
community is not alone.”