The Bath and North East Somerset Faith Foundation has been organising events for several years in response to antisemitism and the need to raise awareness of it. Pictured is the Chair of B&NES Council, Cllr Karen Walker, with faith leaders in Bath at the Holocaust Memorial Day event organised by the Faith Foundation earlier this year.
A campaign and support initiative has been launched in Bath and North East Somerset to raise awareness of antisemitism, and to provide free resources to schools and community groups on how to tackle it.
The project, which is being launched this week thanks to £5,000 secured in funding, is being run by the Bath and North East Somerset Faith Foundation. The campaign will also see a series of events being organised across the area over the next 12 months.
Nathan Hartley, Director of the B&NES Faith Foundation, said:
“Religious or faith-based Hate Crimes have been increasing for the last 6 years.
The 2010 Equality Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of religion or belief, or because of a lack of religion or belief.
In response, the Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation is launching this new initiative that will provide free resources to schools, colleges, businesses and charities on what antisemitism is and how to respond to it.
No one should have to suffer from Hate because of their beliefs, culture, background or ethnicity. Every person has the right to believe in any faith or no faith, and to be proud of their cultural heritage.”
The Faith Foundation’s new project is being funded thanks to grants provided by the Medlock Trust, Westhill Endowment and the Sarum Educational Charity. Funding provided by all three organisations has given the foundation a budget of £5,000, which will be spent on:
- Providing resources to schools and local organisations
- Organising events across the district over the next 12 months
- Preparing for next year’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations in January 2026
In 2023/2024, the Home Office’s Annual Hate Crime Statistics show there were 5,627 religious or other faith-based Hate Crimes across the UK. Of these, 22% were Anti-Semitic in nature.
Most incidents reported to police included verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, harassment and offensive language. The police have recorded 50% of Hate Crimes as public order offences (for example, causing fear, alarm or distress) and a further third (36%) were for violence against the person offences.
For more details readers can contact the Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation by emailing info@bathnesfaithfoundation.org.uk
