Assault on any Jew here is no less than an attack on Britain

AS A writer and broadcaster, I'm rarely speechless. But the events of recent weeks, from the Manchester synagogue attacks to the reactions of hateful yobs masquerading as champions of the Palestinian cause, have left me stunned. And on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks, I've reached a sobering conclusion: I no longer recognise this country.

- Esther Krakue Daily Express Columnist

Mourners at funeral of one of the victims of the Manchester synagogue attack

I grew up in the borough with the biggest Jewish population by area in Britain. As a teenager, it meant nothing more than being part of a wonderfully rich social fabric. My friends and I didn't see colour; we were young women dreaming about the futures we'd build in the country we proudly called home. Yes, Britain had its problems, but it felt as though my generation had moved past the divisions that held society back. I was naïve, of course.

I noticed Jewish schools had armed security and special protocols, but I thought that was temporary; that with time and goodwill, such precautions would become unnecessary. That was my reasoning as a 14-year-old girl: Britain was moving forward and antisemitism would fade into history.

Fast forward to adulthood. One of my closest friends decided to move to Israel, or "make Aliyah". It was a profound, personal journey; one I couldn't relate to as a Christian of West African heritage, but I supported her wholeheartedly.

WEEKS later, she phoned me from a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv, terrified. I stayed on the line for hours, trying to comfort her as rockets rained down.