Members of the UK's second largest Jewish community speak out over fear and defiance
In the heart of Greater Manchester's Jewish community, residents went about their Wednesday morning business. The shops of Leicester Road in Salford were busy with customers, friends and neighbours chatted in the street, and workers hurried along.
Community leaders have spoken of an increase in concern within the community since the Gaza conflict began. On Leicester Road, some members of the community spoke of the heartbreaking feeling that they now need to hide their Jewishness in public on occasions. He pointed to the efforts of the Community Security Trust , a charity which protects the safety of Jews, particularly outside schools and synagogues. But he pointed out that CST are 'not armed' - and neither are the police officers who will be part of GMP's stepped-up patrols, announced this morning. "Do we need armed police?" he asked.
"Everyone here now is worried. They just keep their heads down, don't read the news too much, and crack on - but people are worried. I can't believe anyone isn't bothered, it's just how much it affects you." His colleague told the M.E.N. that he had seen some people 'shouting anti-Semitic stuff', but insisted: "I'm pretty chilled out about it. I keep to myself, I'm never scared, but I know a lot of people are feeling quite threatened and nervous."
Others on Leicester Road suggested they felt safe in the areas of Greater Manchester with large Jewish populations - but less so in other areas. A mum, who was pushing a pram with a baby inside, said: "Leicester Road is fine, but I've found that Lower Broughton, I have a child in school there, it's really bad."
"At the beginning we were just being a bit more cautious I would say. Obviously we look Jewish... we always try to keep a low profile. No one wants to draw attention to the fact that we are visibly Jewish, but we still want to live our lives."
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