London – The Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU) data recording reported incidents of Islamophobia, including cases of harm and discrimination, shows a sustained increase in Islamophobia since October 2023.
Many of the incidents in this period may be described as Islamophobia related to Palestine.
Showing percentage change from a monthly average for the preceding five months (until September 2023), the IRU data shows**:
- 365% increase in reports to the unit in October.
- 325% increase in reports to the unit in November.
- 206% increase in reports to the unit in December.
- 206% increase in reports to the unit in January.
For the first half of February, the unit is already showing a 301% increase in reports of Islamophobia.
The IRU is hearing of similar increases from partner organisations and in discussions with Police forces. This is despite a historic reluctance to report and public derision of Palestinian activism.
Majid Iqbal, CEO of the IRU, said:
“Since October 2023, IRU has seen a sustained increase in reports of Islamophobia, which is developing into a long-term trend.
“We urge the press and politicians to refrain from directing hatred at legal activism related to Palestine, and deriding Muslims as ‘symbols’ of Palestine. Both narratives feed into the broader problem of Islamophobia in the UK.”
*Two anonymised examples of IRU clients we can share are:
Case Study 1
Two survivors, both visibly Muslim, of what appears to be an anti-Muslim hate crime, were taking their daily walk in a busy area. As they were crossing the road, a car initially stopped to let them pass, but then, unexpectedly, the driver deliberately struck them.
The first impact knocked them down, with one survivor being knocked many metres into the air and the other dragged under the car.
The survivor who was dragged under the car has over ten extensive and very serious injuries. They are still receiving medical treatment, over a week after the incident.
This incident, involving two visibly Muslim survivors appears to be a anti-Muslim hate crime. The victims believe Islamophobia was the motivation. IRU is supporting the survivors.
Case Study 2
An assailant got on a train and sat down near clients 1 and 2. The assailant then immediately spat in the direction of client 1, who is visibly Muslim. The client ignored the spitting.
The Assailant asked the client why they were “trying to be the bigger man” and ignoring him. The assailant at this point hurled racial slurs at client 1.
Client 2, who is also visibly Muslim, started recording what was going on. The assailant noticed this and came over to them. Within a moment he swung his left arm connecting right on client 2’s temple. At this point a fight ensued.
The assailant grabbed the client by the hood and punched them four times on the face and landed a couple more blows on his chest.
Other passengers managed to stop the fight, after one of the clients shouted “why is everyone just watching?”
IRU is providing support to take the matter to the police which again is clearly a hate crime.
For any enquiries, including information or interview requests, please contact: info@theiru.org.uk
**While these figures are deeply concerning, they are subject to further revision and analysis, as is the standard practice for all cases handled by the IRU.