2024-09-08 07:40:30
London has launched a new bus route aimed at Orthodox Jews in a bid to improve their safety amid rising anti-Semitism.
The move was initiated by London Mayor Sadiq Khan in an effort to help the city’s Jewish residents feel safer when travelling. The 310 bus, which has been running on a trial basis for a year, connects the Stamford Hill and Golders Green areas, which have a large Orthodox Jewish population.
Sadiq Khan told BBC London that Jewish communities in the area had been campaigning for a direct transport link between Stamford Hill and Golders Green for 16 years. He also said that conversations with Jewish community members in recent months had shown him how alarmed they were by the sharp rise in anti-Semitism since October 7 last year.
We are delighted that after fifteen years of advocacy on behalf of the community, the 310 bus route has been launched, providing a direct service between Golders Green and Stamford Hill. We thank @SadiqKhan and @TfL for their commitment to the Strictly Orthodox Jewish Community pic.twitter.com/ZvfqtP32aK
— London Jewish Forum (@JewishLondon) September 2, 2024
Khan said he had heard examples of families changing buses for fear of threats and abuse. He also pointed out that Jews in London often face abuse, and that some are even afraid to leave their homes due to concerns for their safety. Khan said he did not want anyone in London to live in fear because of concerns about using public transport.
The new route was one of the mayor’s election promises. According to the Metropolitan Police, anti-Semitic crimes increased by 278.9% in the 12 months to July 2024 compared to the previous year.
Despite the new route, public organizations have expressed concern. For example, the British NGO Campaign Against Anti-Semitism noted that the situation in London is so unfavorable that the Jewish community needs additional routes, since the existing ones have become unsafe for them.
Earlier, “Cursor” reported on how a taxi driver in Moscow refused to take a rabbi because he was Jewish.