We Stand Together

Following the arrest of an 18-year-old male from our city on extreme-right-wing related terrorism charges last week, Mahir Chowdhury, the Chair of the Racial Harassment Forum said: "Our communities in the city are saddened to learn that the young man is alleged to have conducted online research into one of our local synagogues’. 

"Sadly, the threat from terrorism and the threat to our Jewish communities from terrorism are both real."  

Sabri Ben-Ameur from the Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum said: "We stand in solidarity with the Jewish communities in our city and will continue our great tradition of unity and respect for all in our city.

"We must challenge and stamp out all forms of hate crime including hate inspired by far-right Neo Nazi groups." 

The Brighton & Hove ‘One Voice Partnership’ reaffirms that communities, council, and police stand together with our Jewish communities.

Reverend Dr Godfrey Kesari, Interfaith Adviser for the Diocese of Chichester said: "We strongly condemn anti-Semitism that leads to actions such as these. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our sisters and brothers at the Hebrew congregation and Jewish community at such a challenging time.

"We all stand together in our fight against hatred and violence and work together for peace, reconciliation and common good."

The Sussex Jewish Representative Council said: "This is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat the Jewish community faces from those fomenting antisemitic views.

"These extremist views do not come from just one side of the political spectrum, and it is important to understand that hate speech, whatever its political root, can create a hostile environment in which antisemitism can flourish.

"We would encourage people to be mindful of their language and the way they put their views forward in public and on social media.  

"The use of casual antisemitic tropes and rhetoric creates a fertile ground for those harbouring hatred and anti-Jewish racism. The small Jewish community of Brighton & Hove should feel safe to practice and demonstrate our faith without the threat of terrorism, violence, or hostility. 

Presently, the young man is in custody for online research into the Hove Hebrew congregation, among other alleged terrorism offences. 

Brighton & Hove Faith In Action said: "We must always guard against prejudice, intolerance and radicalisation ensuring all communities and individuals are safe in our city. We stand with the Jewish community together against antisemitism’.

Brighton & Hove Interfaith Contact Group stated: "We must look out and care for each other and ensure that individuals and communities are not singled out in our city. We work with people of all faith and none."

Billie Lewis and Meg Brosnan, Managers of the Ledward Centre in Brighton said: "We stand firm that these threats and acts of violence, anti-Semitism, and hate must stop.

"We stand together to counter the threat from the extreme-right-wing and stand with our Jewish communities against all forms of racism and hate."

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council added: "We condemn antisemitism and hate in all its forms. I want to reassure the Jewish community and all those affected by this that we stand with you.

"The values of equality, justice and tolerance run through our city and we reject any attempt to divide, threaten or commit acts of violence in our communities."

Will Tuckley, the council's Chief Executive and the chair of the One Voice Partnership said: "The council, together with the One Voice Partnership, will work to promote our city values of respect for all, fairness, equality, and diversity.

"We will promote dialogue and provide the support network to prevent our young and old alike to fall foul to such hateful and extremist ideas. Places of worship serve important role for our communities and faith communities should not have to worry about being targeted for who they are.”

The police and other agencies continue to work to keep the public safe. There is no further risk to the safety of our city and communities.

The threat of individuals acting on their own, inspired by their online activity or by other groups or causes is part of the current terrorist threat in the UK. Residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Reporting suspicious activities

Co-operation between the public and the police is the greatest asset in tackling the challenge the UK faces from terrorism.

Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove City Council ask our residents and communities to remain aware and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity immediately by calling 999 in an emergency or the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 

You can also report suspicious activity using the online form on gov.uk.

For further information and support, go to www.gov.uk/ACT.

Reporting hate incidents and seeking support

Everyone in Brighton & Hove has a right to feel safe. One Voice members urge everyone to be aware and encourage residents and communities to report any racist, religiously motivated, and all forms of hate incidents within our communities.

Our community safety team works closely with the police and our communities to prevent anti-social behaviour and hate incidents and support people affected.

If you have been a victim of a hate incident, our community safety team are here to support you and provide advice. You can contact our team by:

You can also report hate incidents to Sussex Police or call them on 101 if it’s not an emergency. 

If you are worried or concerned about how the incident has affected you or any of your communities, please do advise Prevent Lead Officer on Channel.Prevent@brighton-hove.gov.uk and we will ensure that together with other statutory partners we will respond to community concerns.

Anti-racist city

The council has pledged to be an anti-racist council and our anti-racism strategy sets out how We will use our resources and change what we do to actively dismantle racist structures and challenge racial inequality.