How CST's incidents response team helps victims of antisemitism

Working in the CST Incident Department is challenging but highly rewarding. We are often the first point of contact for victims of antisemitism. When we answer the phone we do not know what we are going to be dealing with.

We can take calls from people who have received antisemitic abuse from a total stranger, or from victims of ongoing and sustained cases of antisemitic hatred and violence.

We have received extensive training from the Home Office’s “Victim Support” organisation, in how to treat each victim sympathetically and supportively. We have access to numerous resources including the Metropolitan Police and regional Police forces.

We liaise with and refer victims to local authorities and to organisations, such as Jewish Care and Streetwise, who will be able to provide specialist advice.

Each day brings new challenges and uncertainty. We never know if we could be called out to deal with a suspicious package that has been left outside a synagogue or other Jewish location, or if we will be the first point of contact for a victim who has experienced antisemitic hatred. We have seen many antisemitic incidents over the years.

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