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Anat Ron-Kendall, the sole known British-Israeli dual national who survived the October 7 terror attack, has shared her harrowing experience and expressed deep concerns about the escalating antisemitism in the United Kingdom. In a poignant account, she described the terrifying chaos of that day, the loss of her father, and the sense of abandonment she feels from the British government.
A Day of Terror and Loss
On that fateful day in 2023, Ms Ron-Kendall was visiting her parents in the kibbutz of Nahal Oz with her son, Jordan, when Hamas militants executed their deadly assault. As gunfire erupted and panic ensued, she and her family hurried to take refuge in a safe room. Overwhelmed by fear, she made a heart-wrenching phone call to her husband, believing she might not survive the attack.
When she was finally evacuated after enduring more than 12 hours of terror, she emerged to a scene that she described as “dystopia” and “chaos.” “There were bodies which I didn’t want to look at. It was just like something that you imagine in the movies,” she recalled, still grappling with the trauma of that day.
The Ongoing Struggle Against Antisemitism
More than two years after the attack, Ms Ron-Kendall has expressed her profound disquiet about the state of antisemitism in the UK, claiming it has become alarmingly normalised. “I was abandoned by the British government at a time of total vulnerability,” she lamented, highlighting what she perceives as a lack of adequate support and recognition for victims like herself.
She pointed out that Jewish communities have been increasingly affected by antisemitic incidents since the attack, with students in particular facing hostility on university campuses. “To me, I still live under threat. I cannot feel safe in a country that normalises this kind of behaviour,” she emphasised, revealing the lasting impact of her traumatic experiences.
A Call to Remember
Ms Ron-Kendall’s testimony is prominently featured in an updated report commissioned by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Israel, led by Conservative peer and historian Lord Andrew Roberts. This report aims to document the events of October 7 with precision and clarity, ensuring that the horrific realities of that day are not diminished or forgotten.
The latest edition includes details of other victims, including British-Israeli Emily Damari, who endured over 400 days as a hostage following the attack. The report serves as a vital resource for understanding the scale of the tragedy and the ongoing implications for British-Israeli relations.
The Statistics Behind the Crisis
Recent data from the Home Office indicates that Jewish communities are disproportionately targeted by hate crimes in England and Wales. In the year leading up to March 2025, police recorded 106 religious hate crimes per 10,000 population against Jewish individuals, marking the highest rate among all faith groups.
Separate statistics from the Community Security Trust (CST) reveal that incidents of antisemitism reached a staggering total of 3,700 in 2025, a 4% increase compared to the previous year. This trend underscores a deeply troubling reality: antisemitic acts have surged since the October 7 attack, with monthly figures consistently exceeding 200 incidents for the first time.
Government Response and Future Actions
In light of these alarming statistics, a government spokesperson acknowledged that antisemitism is becoming entrenched in British society. However, they pledged that the government would not remain passive in the face of this rising tide. Initiatives to combat antisemitism across schools, colleges, universities, and health services are being implemented, along with ongoing collaboration with Jewish communities to address this pressing issue.
Why it Matters
Anat Ron-Kendall’s testimony is not merely an account of personal trauma; it is a vital reminder of the real and ongoing threat posed by antisemitism in the UK. As the nation grapples with these challenges, it is essential to acknowledge the experiences of victims and work collectively to combat hate in all its forms. Her story and the data surrounding it illustrate a critical juncture in British society, where the fight against antisemitism must not only continue but intensify.
