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London police said on Friday that they were investigating several acts of vandalism against public Hanukkah menorahs, treating the incidents as suspected hate crimes amid rising antisemitic tensions.
The damage occurred in the Notting Hill, Muswell Hill, and West Hampstead neighborhoods. Officers are examining each case and assessing whether the incidents are connected.
Superintendent Owen Renowden of the Metropolitan Police said the attacks came during an especially painful period for Jewish residents. “This has been a tremendously difficult week for the Jewish community,” Renowden said, referencing the recent antisemitic terror attack in Australia. He added that the vandalism had caused additional distress and concern.
Police have stepped up patrols in the affected neighborhoods. Officers are also working with local leaders and community representatives. Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward.
Jewish Security Experts Cite Escalating Threats
The Community Security Trust (CST) strongly condemned the vandalism and warned that the incidents reflect a wider trend.
“The vandalism of hanukkiahs [menorahs] in London is appalling and disgraceful,” a CST spokesperson said. The group noted that Jewish targets have faced repeated attacks during Hanukkah this year.
The vandalism of Chanukiahs in London is appalling and disgraceful, particularly in the wake of the horrific terror attack in Sydney where Jewish people were killed while celebrating Chanukah. These desecrations are not isolated incidents; we have had several such examples of…
— CST (@CST_UK) December 19, 2025
CST confirmed it has received multiple reports of damaged Hanukkah displays in recent days. The organization urged witnesses to report information to police and to CST.
Hanukkah has long been accompanied by a spike of antisemitic incidents globally, as the eight-day winter holiday’s high visibility — with menorahs on display in prominent open locations and the windows of private homes — provides an easily-accessible, target-rich environment for Jew-haters (this trend was tracked in detail by CAM’s Antisemitism Research Center in 2025, 2023, and 2021).
Antisemitism Surges Nationwide
According to CST data, antisemitic incidents in Britain have risen sharply since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Jewish organizations say anti-Israel agitation has increasingly spilled into direct hostility toward Jews.
Those warnings intensified after the Yom Kippur terror attack in Manchester, when a man rammed pedestrians outside a synagogue and then carried out a knife assault. Two Jewish worshipers, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed.
Government Response Draws Criticism
Last week, the British government released a new Antisemitism Action Plan. Many Jewish groups welcomed the acknowledgment of the crisis but said the measures lack sufficient enforcement.
The plan appeared days before the massacre at a Hanukkah candle-lighting event at Bondi Beach, where gunmen opened fire on a crowd, killing 15 people and injuring dozens.
Following that attack, UK officials announced tougher action against antisemitic incitement. Authorities said they will pursue arrests linked to chants and slogans targeting Jews, including “Globalize the Intifada.”
As investigations continue, Jewish leaders stress a clear message: public Jewish life must remain visible, protected, and free from intimidation.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
