Members of the Totnes and South Hams Jewish community are becoming increasingly concerned about the rise of anti-semitic incidents in the South West.

The local Jewish community has around 30 to 40 active members and although affiliated to the Movement for Reform Judaism welcomes members all denominations as it seeks to be as diverse as possible.

Community Facilitator Marc Frank said: “The growth in antisemitism in our area and throughout the country has been a significant cause for concern for many of our members. It has been particularly worrying for elder members of our community, some of whom are second generation Holocaust survivors.”

Charity The Community Security Trust said there are record levels of anti-Jewish sentiment nationally.

In Devon and Cornwall, 45 anti-Semitic incidents were reported to the CST in 2021 targeting Jewish people, organisations or property,

This was up from 13 the year before, and more than the 14 recorded in 2019.

Last year, there were 42 incidents of abusive behaviour and two assaults.

There was also one report of damage or desecration to Jewish property.

The charity defines an incident as any malicious act which has anti-Semitic motivation or content, or the targeting of a victim because they are – or are believed to be – Jewish.

Marc added: “Even here in the otherwise progressive environment of Totnes we have witnessed a resurgence of Holocaust denial and open Antisemitic rhetoric from some of the leaders of the Anti-vaccination and Covid conspiracy movement, which has been a particular source of concern in recent months. As an outward facing community we feel that now, more than ever, should be a time of greater unity, peace and tolerance between all people, and very much hope that this worrying tide of resurging hatred can be abated.”

The Totnes-based Jewish community has been around for around 25 years. They don’t have a Rabbi or leader and rather than holding structured synagogue-style services, tends to get together for social, cultural and spiritual gatherings throughout the year, especially during festivals and Jewish holidays. These tend to take place in members’ houses, or occasionally community halls for larger events.

Mark Gardner, Community Security Trust Chief Executive, said: “Record levels of anti-Jewish racism, reported by our Jewish community to CST and police, show how difficult last year was for Jews across Britain."

He said such hatred can grow over time, with perpetrators of these attacks taking any excuse to abuse Jews publicly.

Mr Gardner added: "This is exactly what happened during and after the Israel-Gaza war of May 2021, from schools and universities, through to the carloads of people who repeatedly drove to Jewish areas and yelled vile abuse at anyone who looked Jewish.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said she will ensure police have the resources to tackle these "despicable" attacks so that perpetrators can then be punished with the full force of the law.

She added: “These statistics are shocking and a stark reminder that the racism of anti-Semitism has not been eradicated.

"Our Jewish community has been subject to appalling hatred and it is through the strength and determination of the CST that we continue in our work together to stop such terrible attacks."