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Spike in antisemitism reports after synagogue attack

There were reports of individuals commemorating the fatal attack targeting Jews, as well as distributing emails containing antisemitic content.

The UK experienced a significant surge in reported antisemitism incidents following the fatal attack on a Manchester synagogue in 2025.

A bunch of flowers and a framed star of David with a bee in the centre, which were left at the scene in tribute after the Manchester synagogue attack — Tributes were left at the scene in Manchester following the deadly attack on a synagogue

According to the Community Security Trust (CST), a volunteer-run organization that monitors and provides security for the UK's Jewish community, the days immediately following the attack saw the highest daily totals of antisemitic incidents in 2025, with 40 incidents recorded on the day of the attack and another 40 the day after.

On 2 October, a violent incident occurred at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, resulting in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby, after Jihad Al-Shamie rammed the synagogue gates with a vehicle and proceeded to attack people with a knife while wearing a fake explosive device.

The CST found that over half of the incidents reported on the two days following the attack were direct responses to the incident, including expressions of support for the attack.

Of the 42 incidents linked to the attack, three involved in-person harassment and celebration of the attack targeting Jewish individuals, while 39 took place online, encompassing social media posts, hostile responses to public statements condemning the attack, and antagonistic emails sent to Jewish individuals and organizations.

The Manchester attack marked the first fatal antisemitic terrorist incident in the UK since the CST began tracking incidents in 1984.

The CST's report indicated that 2025 saw a total of 3,700 anti-Jewish hate incidents, representing a 4% increase from the 3,556 incidents recorded in 2024, making it the second-highest annual total on record, surpassed only by the 4,298 incidents in 2023.

Notably, the week following Hamas's 7 October attacks on Israel in 2023 saw 416 incidents, a higher weekly total than any subsequent week.

Although 2023 had the highest overall total, 2025 was the first year in which more than 200 anti-Jewish hate incidents were reported in every calendar month.

The year 2025 also saw the highest recorded number of cases of damage and desecration to Jewish property, including homes, vehicles, and synagogues.

There were 217 such incidents in 2025, marking a 38% increase from the 157 incidents recorded in 2024.

Mark Gardner, the chief executive of the CST, characterized the Manchester attack as the culmination of "two years of intense anti-Jewish hatred" in the UK.

Gardner stated that the attack triggered a further surge in antisemitism, highlighting the depth of extremism faced by the Jewish community and British society as a whole.

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, the national policing lead for hate crime, described the levels of antisemitic hate in 2025 as "unacceptably high".

Hobrough noted that societal tensions have not diminished and are more deeply ingrained and long-standing than anything experienced in recent times.

The CST also reported a spike in incidents on the day of the Bondi Beach killings in Sydney and the two subsequent days.

Of the 50 incidents reported during this period, 21 directly referenced the Bondi attack, according to the CST.

Lord John Mann, the government's independent adviser on antisemitism, expressed particular concern about the large number of incidents that occurred immediately after the Manchester attack.

Forensics officers search the streets surrounding the Heaton Park Congregation synagogue. Three officers wear white overalls, blue gloves and face masks. — Jihad Al-Shamie pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State group after attacking the Heaton Park Congregation synagogue

Mann described the latest figures as "deeply alarming" and indicative of the persistent nature of antisemitism in the UK.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood characterized the latest numbers as "shocking" and reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating antisemitism.

Mahmood announced that the government would provide record funding for security measures at synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers, and would strengthen police powers to address intimidating protests.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the figures as "appalling" but not unexpected, emphasizing the need to confront the "evil of antisemitism".

Philp advocated for the removal of non-citizens who promote extremist views, support terrorism, or express hatred towards any racial or religious group, including Jews.

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DP World CEO departs amid fallout over Epstein connections

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem’s departure follows the revelation of hundreds of emails allegedly exchanged between him and Epstein, as revealed in recently disclosed documents.

DP World's global ports operator has undergone a change in leadership, with the previous head stepping down amidst scrutiny surrounding their association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, wearing white, gestures during the World Government Summit in Dubai in 2017.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's departure as chairman and chief executive follows the release of newly uncovered files, which indicate he exchanged numerous emails with Epstein over the course of a decade.

The mention of an individual in these files does not imply any wrongdoing, and the BBC has reached out to Sulayem for a statement regarding the matter.

On Friday, DP World announced the appointments of Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive, without making any reference to Sulayem, whose photograph appears to have been removed from the company's website.

DP World, a Dubai-owned logistics company with a significant presence in global trade infrastructure, operating port terminals across six continents, has faced increasing pressure from its business partners in recent days.

Earlier in the week, the UK development finance agency and La Caisse, Canada's second-largest pension fund, announced that they would be suspending new investments in the firm.

Additionally, the Prince of Wales' Earthshot project, which received funding from DP World, was reported to the UK Charity Commission following Sulayem's appearance in the recently released files.

The documents suggest a close and extensive relationship between Sulayem, a prominent Gulf business figure, and Epstein, spanning multiple areas of interaction.

US lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie have accused Sulayem of being one of several influential individuals associated with Epstein, citing him as one of "six powerful men" linked to the disgraced financier.

The lawmakers, who co-sponsored the legislation that led to the release of the Epstein files last year, claim that certain information was improperly redacted from the documents.

On 9 February, Thomas Massie highlighted a redacted document that appeared to contain an email from Epstein in 2009, referencing a "torture video"; the recipient responded that they would be traveling between China and the US, although the context of the exchange is unclear.

US officials have confirmed that Sulayem was the recipient of the email in question, which was sent by Epstein.

News

Ireland Seeks Redemption in Match Without Spectators

Ireland’s Captain Caelan Doris has emphasized that the team must have all players contributing in order to move past their loss to France and secure a win against Italy.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris is urging his team to deliver a strong performance against Italy, following their disappointing loss to France last week.

Historically, Ireland have dominated Italy in their home Six Nations matches, winning their last five encounters by at least 30 points, including a 2024 match where they held Italy scoreless, but a similar outcome is not expected this time around.

Italy's confidence is high after their 18-15 victory over Scotland in Rome, where they excelled in the set-piece and defended well in the closing stages.

Gonzalo Quesada's team put in an impressive display despite the challenging weather conditions, and their win has given them momentum ahead of their trip to Dublin.

In contrast, Ireland's camp has been introspective after their 16-year-low Six Nations loss to France, with head coach Andy Farrell expressing his disappointment and the need for improvement.

Farrell was critical of his team's performance, particularly in the first half, and has made several changes to the lineup for the Italy match, including the exclusion of Josh van der Flier, Jacob Stockdale, Tommy O'Brien, and Cian Prendergast.

The Irish coach has also spoken about the need for his team to "simplify things" and understand their identity, following a clear-the-air meeting with the squad.

Farrell has emphasized the importance of players not overthinking their roles and instead focusing on their strengths, as they prepare to face Italy.

The Irish coach's message to his players is to trust their instincts and not overcomplicate their game plan against Italy.

Ireland's review of their loss to France was a candid and honest assessment, with players and coaches alike acknowledging the need for improvement.

Ireland has made six changes to their team for the Italy match, with newcomers Cormac Izuchukwu and Rob Baloucoune, as well as uncapped lock Edwin Edogbo, set to feature.

Captain Caelan Doris believes that the new players must take ownership of their roles and contribute to the team's overall performance.

Doris expressed his enthusiasm for the team's lineup, despite the changes, and emphasized the importance of cohesion and trust among the players.

The Irish captain's message to the new players is to have faith in their abilities and enjoy the experience, while also focusing on the team's core strengths.

Doris stressed that every player must be fully committed and take responsibility for their actions on the field, in order to achieve a positive outcome.

He added that creating a sense of unity and purpose through their actions can have a profound impact on the team's performance.

Doris reiterated that every player must be fully invested and take ownership of their role, in order to achieve success against Italy.

Edwin Edogbo, the towering Munster lock, is set to make his Test debut for Ireland on Saturday.

Ireland's loss to France was marked by a lack of intent, and head coach Andy Farrell has responded by making changes to the team, including the inclusion of wingers James Lowe and Rob Baloucoune.

The hope is that these changes will help Ireland to rediscover their sense of purpose and direction against Italy.

Lowe, a experienced player, was dropped for the France match, but returns to the lineup, while Baloucoune makes his first appearance for Ireland since November 2022.

The inclusion of Cormac Izuchukwu in the back row is expected to add dynamism and ball-carrying ability to Ireland's attack.

There is also excitement about the potential of Edwin Edogbo, who has impressed for Munster despite struggling with injuries earlier in his career.

Caelan Doris will switch back to open-side flanker, a position he has played before against Italy, and where he has scored tries in the past.

Regardless of his position, Doris is focused on helping Ireland to move past their loss to France and deliver a strong performance against Italy.

The Irish captain reflected on the team's discussions throughout the week, which have centered on accountability, simplicity, and a renewed focus on their core values.

Doris emphasized the importance of the team holding each other accountable and taking ownership of their actions, in order to drive improvement.

The Irish captain acknowledged that the loss to France has served as a reference point, but expressed confidence that the team can learn from the experience and move forward.

Doris believes that Ireland has the potential to improve, but must focus on executing their game plan effectively and trusting their strengths.

The match between Ireland and Italy is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 February, at 14:10 GMT.

The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will host the encounter.

Fans can listen to live commentary of the match on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Ulster, and the BBC Sport website and app, as well as follow live text commentary.

Italy has a chance to cause a major upset in the Six Nations, and will be looking to build on their win over Scotland last week.

The Italians pushed Ireland close last year, losing 22-17, and will be hoping to go one better this time around.

Despite the absence of Juan Ignacio Brex, Italy has a number of threats, including Tommaso Menoncello, one of the most exciting young talents in European rugby.

The Italian forwards have shown their ability to compete with top teams, having dominated Scotland and caused problems for South Africa's pack in November.

Caelan Doris acknowledged that Italy is no longer just a passionate team, but a side with a well-rounded attack and strong defense.

The Irish captain noted that Italy's attack is now a significant threat, and that their ability to play with width and depth makes them a challenging opponent.

Doris also highlighted the improvement in Italy's scrum, as well as the quality of their back three and the physicality of their forwards.

The Ireland team to face Italy is: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Casey; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Izuchukwu, Doris (capt), Conan.

Ireland's substitutes for the match include Kelleher, O'Toole, Furlong, Edogbo, Beirne, Timoney, Gibson-Park, and Crowley.

The Italian team features Pani, Lynagh, Marin, Menoncello, and Ioane in the backline, with P Garbisi and Fusco in the half-back positions, and a forward pack consisting of Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro as captain, Zuliani, and L Cannone.

Italy's replacement players are Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Odiase, A Garbisi, and Odogwu.

On Saturday, Hollie Davidson of Scotland will make history by becoming the first female referee to officiate a men's Six Nations match, with the fixture being Ireland's home game against Italy.