The updated figures correct till November 7 total 701 anti-Muslim cases to Tell MAMA – a seven-fold increase for the same period last year (75 offline and 25 online cases) following the deadly Hamas terror attacks on October 7.
326 Offline cases
(212 cases of abusive behaviour, 28 threatening behaviour, 29 assaults, 24 vandalism, 16 discrimination, 17 hate speech and 5 anti-Muslim literature). Cases occurred in areas like London (209), Northwest (39), South Yorkshire (9), West Yorkshire (17), East Midlands (9) and West Midlands (17), Southeast (5), Southwest (5), North East (9), Wales (2), Scotland (5).
Like all Tell MAMA cases, the figures are subject to further revision and analysis.
We have monitored an increase in specific language related to the attacks and ensuing conflict in universities and schools, Anti-Muslim language on campuses including calling Muslims (or those perceived as Muslims) ‘terrorists’ has been commonplace. While linking Muslims to terrorism is one of the most common forms of abuse that Tell MAMA records throughout each year, the aftermath of the terror attacks in October and the conflict has since created a deeply hostile environment on campus and social media that has accelerated the use of such hateful tropes targeting Muslim communities. The number of university cases reported to Tell MAMA is 33 in total versus three cases over the same period last year. Meanwhile, 31 incidents were related to the school sector.
It is alarming that vandals targeted Acton Mosque three times in just two weeks. Vandals also targeted a Syrian cafe with red paint on October 23.
It is alarming that vandals targeted Acton Mosque three times in just two weeks.
Vandals also targeted a Syrian cafe with red paint on October 23.
Tell MAMA will continue to engage with the Met Police and others to offer our support and assistance.https://t.co/RcJDBoxSYq
— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) November 8, 2023
Several days ago, we reported on the ongoing police appeals following an arson attack on an Islamic centre in Surrey and the targeting of the Oxford Mosque and Islamic Cultural Society with an empty petrol which referenced the IDF, according to a statement from the mosque. On October 8, Lancashire police launched a hate crime investigation following the dumping of a pig’s head at a proposed mosque in the market town of Barnoldswick.
375 Online Cases
Since October 7, the sheer volume of dehumanising, racialised, and violent language about Muslims, with the most extreme examples calling for genocide – with Muslims compared to rats or viruses from accounts who also call on or suggest a ‘civil war’ will occur on British streets. Similar worrying examples weld the above to broader anti-refugee and anti-migrant narratives about so-called ‘invaders’ and that ‘patriots’ must ‘fight back to stop it’. More broadly, the danger is not only from what appears online, but how it may inspire or motivate individuals to cause harm to Muslims and other communities on our streets.
Standing together, not apart
In the current climate, we continue to urge communities to stand together and practice compassion and care for each other and for themselves, to be upstanders and intervene safely to stop racism and hate crime, and we urge those in positions of influence and public authority to consider how their language risk stereotyping communities and how it may unduly influence discussions online and offline.
Safety advice
We urge mosques and Islamic centres to download our mosque safety advice resources and to consider our updated mosque security advice service.
We have safety advice in both English and Arabic – and urge Muslim communities to remain vigilant when out and about.
Our counselling service is there for anyone in need. If you would like to access the service or find out more about it, e-mail us at counselling@tellmamauk.org
In any emergency, dial 999.