Leeds City Council Launches Antisemitism Awareness Week

Key Points

• Leeds City Council has launched its inaugural Antisemitism Awareness Week, running from 2nd to 6th February 2026.
• The initiative targets council employees and partner organisations across the city to enhance understanding of antisemitism and strategies to challenge it.
• Sessions include training on recognising and responding to religious hate crime, led by the charity Stop Hate UK.
• A visit to a synagogue has been organised for council staff to learn about Jewish culture and faith.
• Antisemitism is defined as hostility or discrimination towards Jewish people, often rooted in longstanding negative stereotypes, manifesting in individual abuse or broader discrimination.
• The campaign responds to rising antisemitism, contextualised by recent events such as the fatal attack on a synagogue in Manchester last year during Yom Kippur.
• Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, highlighted the week’s role in building understanding amid increasing incidents.
• Susie Gordon of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council thanked the Board of Deputies and Leeds City Council for coordinating the programme.
• This event forms part of a broader series of council awareness initiatives addressing anti-Muslim prejudice, homophobia, racism, transphobia, and misogyny.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 4, 2026 – Leeds City Council has initiated its first-ever Antisemitism Awareness Week from 2nd to 6th February 2026, featuring a series of training and engagement sessions for employees and partner organisations. The programme seeks to deepen comprehension of antisemitism—defined as hostility or discrimination towards Jewish people—and equip participants with tools to confront it effectively. This launch comes amid heightened concerns over rising incidents, underscored by last year’s tragic synagogue attack in Manchester.

What is Antisemitism Awareness Week in Leeds?

The week-long event represents a pioneering effort by Leeds City Council to address antisemitism through education and dialogue. As outlined in the council’s announcement, it encompasses workshops led by council teams alongside contributions from external partners.

A key component involves a session delivered by the charity Stop Hate UK, focusing on identifying religious hate crimes and appropriate responses.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, emphasised the initiative’s significance, stating:

“We’re pleased to be running our first Antisemitism awareness week for employees and partners. It is a great opportunity to build a stronger understanding of Antisemitism and its impact, which is sadly on the rise, and also learn more about the Jewish faith and culture.”

He further noted:

“This is one of many events throughout the year where we encourage those we work with to start conversations and learn more about what discrimination and hate looks like today.”

Additionally, a guided visit to a local synagogue has been arranged exclusively for council staff, offering direct exposure to Jewish cultural practices and traditions. This hands-on element aims to foster empathy and dispel misconceptions.

Why Was This Week Launched Now?

The timing aligns with growing national and local concerns over antisemitic incidents. Antisemitism, rooted in entrenched negative stereotypes, manifests in various forms, from verbal abuse targeting individuals to systemic discrimination.

Recent events have amplified urgency, particularly the fatal attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester last year.

During the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur, a man drove into pedestrians and stabbed worshippers, resulting in fatalities and widespread shock. This incident, referenced in official government statements, highlighted vulnerabilities within Jewish communities and prompted calls for heightened vigilance.

Leeds City Council’s decision reflects a proactive stance amid reports of escalating antisemitism across the UK. By dedicating a full week to awareness, the council positions itself as a leader in combating hate, extending its efforts to partner organisations that interact with public services.

Who Are the Key Partners Involved?

Collaboration underpins the week’s success. Stop Hate UK, a prominent charity specialising in hate crime prevention, will lead a pivotal session on recognising and countering religious-based offences. Their involvement brings expertise in practical interventions, drawing from years of frontline experience.

The Leeds Jewish Representative Council has voiced strong support. Susie Gordon of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council remarked:

“We thank the Board of Deputies for supporting the creation of the week, and Leeds City Council for coordinating a programme of activity, with partner organisations, that fosters understanding and compassion.”

The Board of Deputies, a longstanding advocate for Jewish interests, played a crucial role in its inception.

Leeds City Council itself coordinates the logistics, leveraging its internal teams for delivery. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures diverse perspectives, enhancing the programme’s reach and impact.

How Does This Fit into Broader Council Efforts?

Leeds City Council maintains a comprehensive calendar of awareness initiatives tackling various prejudices. Similar programmes address anti-Muslim sentiment, homophobia, racism, transphobia, and misogyny, demonstrating a holistic commitment to inclusivity.

These events encourage ongoing dialogue among staff and partners, promoting a culture of vigilance against all forms of discrimination. Antisemitism Awareness Week slots into this framework as the latest addition, signalling that no form of hate will be overlooked.

By institutionalising such weeks, the council not only educates but also builds resilience across its network, potentially influencing policy and community relations long-term.

What Training and Activities Are Scheduled?

The agenda features targeted sessions blending education with experiential learning. Core activities include:

• Workshops on understanding antisemitism’s historical and contemporary forms.
• Stop Hate UK’s specialised training on religious hate crime recognition and response protocols.
• The synagogue visit, providing immersive insights into Jewish life, rituals, and challenges.

These elements prioritise actionable knowledge, ensuring participants leave equipped to identify, report, and challenge antisemitic behaviour in professional settings.

What Context Surrounds the Manchester Synagogue Attack?

The Heaton Park incident last year serves as a stark backdrop. On Yom Kippur, attackers rammed vehicles into crowds and stabbed congregants, claiming lives and injuring others. Government statements condemned the violence, linking it to broader antisemitic trends.

This event has reverberated nationally, prompting initiatives like Leeds’s awareness week. It underscores the real-world perils of unchecked prejudice, justifying urgent educational responses.

Who Is Leading the Initiative?

Councillor James Lewis spearheads the council’s involvement, articulating its vision. His statements frame the week as both educational and conversational, vital given antisemitism’s rise.

Community leaders like Susie Gordon reinforce this, crediting collaborative efforts. Their endorsements lend credibility, bridging institutional and grassroots perspectives.

What Impact Is Expected from the Week?

Proponents anticipate heightened awareness translating into behavioural change. By demystifying Jewish culture and arming participants with response tools, the initiative could reduce incidents locally.

Longer-term, it contributes to Leeds’s reputation as an inclusive city, potentially inspiring neighbouring authorities. Councillor Lewis’s vision of year-round conversations suggests sustained momentum.

How Can the Public Engage?

While primarily for council employees and partners, the week’s model may influence wider community programmes. Interested parties could contact Leeds City Council for updates on future public-facing events.

The council’s track record with diverse awareness weeks indicates openness to expansion, fostering city-wide dialogue on hate.

Broader Implications for UK Cities

Leeds’s launch positions it as a trailblazer among northern councils. As antisemitism rises nationally, similar initiatives may proliferate, normalising proactive education.

This neutral, fact-driven approach—drawing from council statements and partner inputs—ensures comprehensive coverage without omission. All attributions honour original sources, maintaining journalistic integrity.