THE Archbishop of Canterbury said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” to learn synagogues in the city need security due to fear of vandalism and attacks.

Archbishop Justin Welby made the comment during his first official visit to the Diocese of Chichester at the weekend.

The 66-year-old said: “Deeply shocking and saddening to hear that even in a welcoming, multicultural city like Brighton, synagogues still have to have security on their sabbath because of antisemitism.

The Argus: Synagogues in Brighton require security Synagogues in Brighton require security

“We must work towards a situation where Jewish people can worship without fear of abuse or violence.”

The Sussex Jewish Representation Council (SJRC), which provides a central contact point for all Jewish organisations in the county, said that it is a “sad reflection” of the level of antisemitism in the UK.

An SJRC spokesman said: “The threat of vandalism and attacks are part of the everyday life of Jewish communities across the country. Brighton and Hove is no different.

“All of our synagogues have security provided every Shabbat (Saturday) by trained volunteers from the CST (Community Security Trust).

“We have experienced antisemitic graffiti, abuse has been shouted at worshippers and even had the threat of political protest outside our places of worship.

“Having security offers members of our community, who just wish to pray in peace, a level of safety and reassurance while also providing a visible deterrent.

“We would prefer not to have to pray behind closed doors, with security guards outside, but the threat of antisemitism, which increased once again last year by a staggering 34 per cent, means that that is a luxury not afforded to Jewish communities in the UK.”

The Community Security Trust (CST) said record levels of anti-Jewish sentiment nationally shows how difficult last year was for Jewish people in Britain.

In Sussex, 19 anti-Semitic incidents towards Jewish people, organisations or property were reported to the CST in 2021.

This was up from 17 the year before, but fewer than the 23 recorded in 2019. Last year, there were 18 incidents of abusive behaviour – the most common type. There was also one verbal or written threat.