Hate crimes targeting Jewish and Muslim communities in London increased significantly in May, according to newly released data from the Metropolitan Police.
The figures show that antisemitic offences recorded by the force surged by 72% month-on-month, while Islamophobic hate crimes rose by a third, highlighting growing concerns over community tensions in the capital.
A total of 255 antisemitic hate crimes were recorded in May, up from 148 in April. The increase marks the largest monthly rise since late 2023, when antisemitic incidents spiked following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The London borough of Barnet recorded the highest number of antisemitic offences, with 76 incidents accounting for nearly 30% of the citywide total.
Barnet is home to large Jewish communities in areas including Golders Green, Hendon and Finchley.
Other boroughs with notable increases included Hackney with 40 incidents, Westminster with 29, and both Camden and Haringey with 16 each.
Nearly every borough in London recorded at least one antisemitic offence during the month.
Recent incidents included an arson attack on a former synagogue in Whitechapel and reports of threats against Jewish people in Tower Hamlets, both of which drew police attention.
The rise comes as a government-commissioned review into antisemitism within the NHS found evidence of what it described as “routine ostracism of Jewish people”.
John Mann, who authored the review, said levels of anti-Jewish racism in Britain “constitute a national emergency”.
Meanwhile, Islamophobic hate crimes recorded by the Met rose from 135 in April to 179 in May, an increase of 33% and the highest monthly total since August 2024.
The number of anti-Muslim offences had been falling during late 2025 and early 2026 before rising again in recent months.
Westminster recorded the highest number of Islamophobic incidents, with 21 offences logged during May.
The increase coincided with a central London demonstration organised by Tommy Robinson under the banner of the “Unite the Kingdom” rally.
The event later drew criticism from community leaders and City Hall officials over anti-Muslim rhetoric displayed by some participants.
Debbie Weekes-Bernard condemned the behaviour seen at the demonstration.
“We know that there was a lot of Islamophobia on display and that is not something we stand for here,” she said.
The latest figures are likely to intensify calls for stronger action to tackle both antisemitism and Islamophobia as community leaders warn of increasing hostility and division across London.